The 2020 Presidential Election has elicited intensely strong responses from our country. Citizens wait in suspense for the final results to be revealed, knowing that either outcome will change our country forever. UHS News shared their many perspectives on the event, describing how their community responded and how they think the results will impact Ukiah High.
- “It’s a crazy time right now, and this election is seriously like none before. I think this election is adding tremendously to our nation’s division right now, and I feel like that could be reflected in Wildcat Nation. Us high schoolers and, honestly, Gen Z as a whole are becoming more politically involved. While that’s something I would advocate for, it’s inevitably going to create a divide and political discourse in a classroom setting when the topic appears. This election comes down to morality, and people have firm opinions for Trump and/or Biden, and I can see that clearly on social media. This morning and last night, I’ve seen people I know posting Instagram stories saying that essentially if you support Trump, that you’re a horrible person. While I don’t want to bash on these people’s ideas and feelings, it further divides the community. Overall, we’re divided right now, and the election comes down to the morality of the candidates and the voters.” – Andrew Dattilo
- “It is essential for people to vote. Our country needs to get back to being civil. We need respectful leaders, and that believe in equal rights for all. When the president of a country goes public and spews out hate, it divides our country. With this election, we have a chance to be united again to begin to repair the damage that has been done. A sorority of women in Georgia started a campaign, Stroll To The Polls. It is so awesome! They dressed in red, white, and blue coordinated outfits with their slogan tee-shirts. They looked fierce! For many democratic students and family’s a return to a democratic president will be celebrated!” – Izabella Nickerson
- “I have very conflicted thoughts about the 2020 election. Most people I know (including myself) want Biden to win. It’s stressful that we won’t know the results for a while. I’m not sure how the community will respond, but I think it’s going to be crazy no matter who wins. As for Wildcat Nation, most of us are underage and can’t vote or do anything about the outcome, so I don’t think it will have that big of an effect on us.” – Mia Gittleman
- “This election is pathetic. I don’t care which side you are on. I care about America. Our cities are broken, and our homes are divided. We need to change. And we need it now.” – Katie Williams
- “I have seen and experienced frustration surrounding the election. It was previously known that it would take several days until all the votes are counted, but that hasn’t changed people’s anticipation for this election to be over. I am also quite nervous, reproductive rights, healthcare, basic human freedoms, and climate change will all be affected by this election, for the better or worse. I’m not sure how this will affect Wildcat Nation right now, but it will have an impact on everyone, now and in future generations.” – Abigail Kirkley
- “I haven’t paid much attention to the 2020 election so far. All I really know about it is that both sides are mad at each other for no apparent reason. I miss the days where we would all get along and respect each other no matter who the president was. I wish I could say that the election wouldn’t affect the community, but I can almost guarantee that there will be a negative response either way.” – Royce Whelan
- “So far, since I don’t know the outcome of the 2020 election, I think it is rather intense. There are people on social media whom I have seen talking about the election, but there doesn’t seem to be much other than people hoping that the election goes their way. I’m not particularly wrapped up in the election, not because it isn’t important but because I don’t believe that it immediately affects Wildcat Nation.” – Bennett Gaylord
- “I feel it is kind of hopeless, many people to be socially at war with each other over the left and right side, turning a virus into politics. I feel it’s hopeless since the main options are all following agendas. None are trying to fix anything. No matter who wins this election or the next, there will still be racism, there will still be people who claim to fight for rights but don’t, and there will still be a virus which most underestimate.” – Damien Amaya
- “As I was watching the presidential election last night, I wasn’t entirely surprised when the electoral college score was continuing to be so close to one another. However, after seeing the possible states left to pledge their votes to a candidate, it is clear that this election will be one of the closest in history. My parents were much less frustrated than the 2016 election night because of how used we are to Trump as president and the rhetoric he uses. However, they were angry when Trump already declared a victory before votes were done being counted. I don’t think the outcome of the election will affect Wildcat Nation significantly, but what I do know is that there will be a tension in the air for a while.” – Daniel Gonzalez
- “My thoughts on the 2020 election is that the country is very divided, and it shows. For example, in a majority of the states, it’s 50/50. I have seen some of the community celebrating and the others being irritated. It honestly depends on the communities’ beliefs.” – Zoey White
- “I’m rather nervous and afraid. I do not go outside nearly enough to know how the community is responding, but my mum’s side of the family is hoping for the best. I’m currently hearing good things, though things could turn too red too fast, which is where the anxiety mainly stems. It could affect UHS’s community because while I have faith that most of us are united and rooting for the same outcome I am, it’s very realistic that some will not be, and that is where a divide will be drawn between the community.” – Makenzie Walsh
- “My thoughts on the election are insane. It’s been very hectic. I hope Biden wins. We need to change. There’s lots of positivity about Biden winning so far. As of right now, I don’t know how it’ll affect Wildcat Nation.” – Joel Naranjo Hernandez
