Prima Changwatchai

With the 2024 presidential election set for under a year from now, students have begun to consider the candidates. However, many have expressed dissatisfaction with all of the presidential options. “I think [all the candidates] are untrustworthy,” an anonymous student said. “They don’t address many real issues and difficulties America is currently facing. I think we need to elect a president who really cares about the people [who] support him and the republic.”

As December approaches, the prospect of the next presidential election has come to the surface. Following the release of a list of candidates, Americans are anxious to vote, with Westwood students among them. The American public has made their preferences clear, with former president Donald Trump in the lead for the Republicans, and incumbent Joe Biden in the lead for the Democrats. 

Westwood students voiced their opinions through a schoolwide survey. The largest category of students, at 39.7%, are unsure of whom to support. A close second for preferences, at 33.3%, is President Biden, and in third place, at 20.06%, is Donald Trump.

These statistics mostly aligned with the preferences of the country as well, and students gave their reasonings for their choices.

“I support Joe Biden because I feel that he has several positive qualities that make him a commendable leader,” Ananya Raya ‘27 said. “His extensive political experience, having served as Vice President under Barack Obama and his long tenure in the Senate, has equipped him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of governance.”  

Social issues that students are concerned about include civil rights, climate change, gun violence, and immigration.

“The United States faces a multitude of critical issues that touch the lives of its citizens. The deep political divide is a significant concern, with liberals and conservatives often at odds,” Aryan Tyagi ‘25 said. “Economic inequality is on the rise, making it difficult for many Americans to make ends meet. Healthcare remains a thorny problem, with access and affordability being persistent challenges.” 

These issues contribute to voting preferences, as the public tends to support candidates who take the most initiative to improve these problems.

“I’ve chosen to support Marianne Williamson because her approach to politics feels different in a positive way,” Tyagi said. “Her dedication to social justice, racial equality, and environmental sustainability aligns with my values as I believe in addressing the root causes of societal issues, not just the symptoms. Marianne Williamson offers a genuine and compassionate approach that resonates with those seeking a more humane and spiritually grounded approach to governance.”

Despite most students supporting Democratic candidates, some students support Republican candidates for their opinions on economic issues, such as Trump.

“Our economy has gone through the floor and our national debt is through the roof,” an anonymous student said. “[Trump is] a businessman and knows how to run our country’s economy effectively.”

Some respondents emphasized the importance of participating in this democratic process in order to make their voices heard.

”Of course I will be voting,” Kyra Jackson ‘24 said. “It’s my right as an American to contribute towards making my country a better place for everyone. If you are old enough, I think everyone should vote. It’s very important and it’s one of the only ways we can make change.”