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

The 2020 Presidential Election is WEEKS away! As a 19-year-old college student and first-time voter, I’m more than excited to hand in my ballot on November 3rd. The year 2020 is one that will be talked about forever, taught in history classes, and remembered until the end of time. Right now it is up to US to make a change for the better and determine how we will be remembered. Will we rise to the occasion and go down in history as a generation that showed strength and resilience? 

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Our communities depend on us and we depend on them. We are surrounded by multiple topics of debate – abortion rights, climate change, COVID-19 response, gun control, and equal pay, just to name a few. Voting gives us a voice, it gives us the opportunity to make a change. 

The earth’s climate is constantly changing. This is because of the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere that varies over time. Scientists have justified this by estimating how much the surface air temperature would change if the amount of greenhouse gas doubled. This shows climate sensitivity, which happens to have an unsteady range and can cause major long-term issues for our climate and environment. We have a choice in how we, as a nation, go about keeping our earth healthy. It is extremely important to take a look at each of the presidential candidates’ plans to ensure the maintenance of our planet and to make an informed decision on who to vote for.

Another issue that needs to be addressed and has completely taken over our lives for the last seven months is, yes, you guessed it, the Coronavirus. We are living through a pandemic, and it is our job to vote for the candidate that will respond the most efficiently and strategically as possible to decrease the number of deaths and families impacted. Wearing masks is essential. Practicing social distancing is essential. Looking out for our friends and family is essential. Vote to make a change. Vote to ensure the safety of every community, family, and individual. Vote for the representation of all. It is our time to show our gratitude for those who have been on the front line of this disease for the last seven months and for the essential workers who are tirelessly working to keep everyone as safe as possible. Which candidate will do this for us? Putting the well-being of the people is top priority and with our votes, we can make that happen.

If you are feeling lost or uneducated, don’t stress! There is a plethora of information out there to keep yourself up-to-date and informed. An amazing unbiased resource is https://www.pewresearch.org. Taking a look at the information on this website ​can help YOU develop and make YOUR OWN educated decision on where you stand in terms of issues to vote on. Our time is right now. It is our turn to have our voices heard in one of the most crucial elections of our history. Be the change. Vote. 

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Haley LaKind

U Mass Amherst '23

Haley LaKind is a junior Communication and Journalism double major on the Public Relations Track. She enjoys writing biweekly articles for Her Campus as well as running the chapter instagram page @hcumassamherst. Her hobbies include exercise, travel, journaling, and spending time with friends and family. At UMass she is also involved with UMass CHAARG and the Public Relations Club.
Contributors from the University of Massachusetts Amherst