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A Collegiette’s Guide to the Presidential Candidates

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Maine chapter.

The year 2016 is now upon us, and this fall we have the opportunity to vote in the presidential election. Most college students are overwhelmed with school work, sports practices and social events, which leaves very little time to catch up on politics. Since this decision will impact the future of our country, it’s important to not only vote, but to make an informed decision. We’ve compiled some profiles containing the candidates’ stances on relevant issues so that you can decide for yourself which candidate should represent our country.

Republican Party

Ted Cruz

 

Experience: U.S. Senator, Texas

Immigration: Against legalizing undocumented immigrants

Gun Control: Oppose new restrictions

Syrian Refugees: Only allow Christian refugees

Health Care: Get rid of the Affordable Care Act

Abortion: Opposed, no exceptions

Death Penalty: Support death penalty

 

Donald Trump

Experience: Founder and President of the Trump Organization

Immigration: Deport undocumented immigrants & build a wall on our southern border

Gun Control: Oppose new restrictions

Syrian Refugees: Don’t allow refugees

Health Care: Get rid of the Affordable Care Act

Abortion: Available, but under stricter limits

Death Penalty: Support death penalty

Marco Rubio

Experience: U.S. Senator, Florida

Immigration: Focus on securing borders

Gun Control: Oppose new restrictions

Syrian Refugees: Don’t allow refugees

Health Care: Get rid of the Affordable Care Act

Abortion: Opposed, no exceptions

Death Penalty: Support death penalty

Ben Carson

Experience: Former Neurosurgeon

Immigration: Focus on securing borders

Gun Control: Oppose new restrictions

Syrian Refugees: Don’t allow refugees

Health Care: Get rid of the Affordable Care Act

Abortion: Opposed, no exceptions

Death Penalty: Leave issue to the states

 

Democratic Party

Hillary Clinton

Experience: Former Secretary of State

Immigration: Provide a path to citizenship

Gun Control: Tighten gun control laws

Syrian Refugees: Allow Syrian refugees

Health Care: Keep most of the Affordable Care Act

Abortion: Support abortion rights

Death Penalty: Supports death penalty

Bernie Sanders

Experience: U.S. Senator, Vermont

Immigration: Provide a path to citizenship

Gun Control: Tighten gun control laws

Syrian Refugees: Allow Syrian refugees

Health Care: Single-payer health care system

Abortion: Support abortion rights

Death Penalty: Opposes death penalty

 

Obviously this doesn’t cover every platform so I encourage you all to do your own research on the candidates that interest you. Your vote does make a difference so make sure you get out on November 8 and vote for the candidate that you believe will better our country.

Amanda Barbieri is a first year Wildlife Ecology major with a minor in Equine Science at the University of Maine. She enjoys writing, traveling, photography, working out, and spending time outdoors.
Kate Berry is a fourth-year journalism major at the University of Maine in Orono. She loves reading about the latest trends and events.