2020 Election Monumental for First-Time Voters

By Nolan Cleary, Managing Editor

Considered one of the central pillars of our democracy, voting in America is a fundamental part of the system we cherish. 

Now, with voting already under way in multiple states, New York included, a new generation of voters will be introduced to the electorate for the first time. 

On a recent episode of The Hud. podcast, HVCC Political Science Professor Robert Whittaker discussed the importance of voting in America. “Voting is absolutely fundamental to democracy. If everybody stayed home and people didn’t vote, then elected officials wouldn’t be held accountable.” Whittaker said. 

Many pundits believe that the 2020 Presidential election could be among the most historic in American history. Whittaker said that he hopes this race makes an impact on students who go to vote, regardless of who they’re voting for.

“You know whichever side you come down on, here in 2020, if this is your first election, we are, as a society, talking about the 2020 election being so historic in so many ways, so momentous, whatever the outcome, a lot of people are talking about this as the biggest election in many, many years.” Whittaker said.

Whittaker says he hopes those who are voting for the first time, remember this race. “Regardless of how you feel about the outcome, I hope students look at this and say ‘what an election’.” Whittaker said. 

This election remains unique however when compared to other election seasons. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the globe, voting in person on Election Day is now just one way to cast your ballot. 

Voting by mail, a process that’s existed for quite some time in Oregon, is now available nationally. Whitaker suggests voting by mail as an option for those concerned by safety reasons. 

Additionally, requesting an absentee ballot is also easier as well. 

“Many people are choosing to receive absentee ballots under that particular provision. There are people who because of the pandemic don’t feel comfortable going to polling places, especially since we expect the polling places to be quite crowded on Election Day.” Whitaker said. 

Whitaker recalled his first memories voting for the first time, in a gubernatorial election. “When I was 17 or 18 I was really interested in current events and I had some friends in high school that I used to debate politics a lot. Even then we’d get into some friendly but heated arguments about things. I remember being really excited about the first election I could vote in which was actually a gubernatorial election. My first election was back in 1990, so about 30 years ago.” Whitaker said. 

“I just remember feeling really excited, it was a great feeling for me to walk into a polling place and be handed a ballot.” Whitaker says that voting is his way of honoring those in history who fought and died for the right to vote. 

“For the most part, ordinary people did not have the power to change their government through the ballot box, but overtime of course we’ve amended the Constitution and people have marched and people have fought and people have died to extend the right to vote. So, I also think of it as a way to honor that tradition and to remember the hard work, the very hard work and the sacrifices that people have made for many, many, many years to expand the right into the way we know it and understand it today.” Whitaker said.