University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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elections and equity The 2020 general election between Democratic candidate. Joseph Biden. and Republican candidate Donald Trump took place on November 3 and caused an uproar throughout the nation. There was a major turnout of new. eligible voters with a mindset similar to that of Mary Ketcherside third-year undergraduate student: 'There were a lot of big decisions to be made, and I knew that I needed to be a part of it.' Ketcherside said. Newly educated voters made the choice to exercise their right as American citizens to cast their votes toward the candidate whom they believed would best lead the country during the uncertain times of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Coronavirus pandemic altered how voting was done this year, with the (majority of eligible voters requesting mail-in-ballots rather than going to their precinct to vote. There was early voting at the Reitz Union, which was physically distanced and available to those who registered to vote in Alachua County. The many avenues available for voters to cast their ballots resulted in a major influx of votes which was remarkably greater than in previous years. The new rising generation of America. Generation Z. was eligible to vote during the election and held a major influence in the final results of the election. The election was a new experience for many young adults, who finally had a say in their future leaders, and were equally represented in the polls. When asked about how it felt to vote. Taylor McKinney, first-year undergraduate student said, 'It felt surreal, it was strange that during the midst of this year we had to stop and all come together to decide the next four years for our nation. I think it's amazing that we have the freedom to do this, we are lucky.' After the ballots from all fifty states were collected and counted, it was declared that Joseph Biden would be the next President of the United States. This was seen as a major win for America, and for women as his running mate Kamala Harris is the first woman Vice President of the United States. This is a major step toward equal representation in politics for women, and provides hope to the future children of America that no matter who you are you can achieve greatness. 'It's sad that it took until 2020 for this to happen, but I feel like it's setting the precedent for it to happen again. In the future. I hope to see politics not be predominantly run by men. with an equal voice being held by women.' Arielle Saddick third-year undergraduate student said. Writing by Emma Jroyor Photography Compliments Irom Tho Alligator