Celine Winston, Staff Writer

We vote every four years for our next president, which makes the vote we cast so important, as we will be impacted by it until the next election cycle. To become president, you must be a natural born citizen, at least 35 years of age, and have been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years. The deadline for voting in Wash. for this 2020 election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. 

This year, our options for voting are current President and Republican Donald Trump and former Vice President and Democrat Joe Biden. According to CNN, the current voting preference nationally for each of them is 51 percent voting for Biden and 43 percent voting for Trump.

Trump is the 45th President of the United States. He was elected in 2016 and had received more than 62 million votes from Americans. Trump has not kept secret his opinions, often tweeting in real time how he feels. He strongly believes in individuals working hard and earning their money and living status. 

Biden was the 47th Vice President of the United States. He previously attempted to gain the presidency in 1988 and 2008. According to The New York Times, Biden emphasizes “his government experience, seeking to cast himself as a steady, seasoned hand in a dangerous and uncertain world.” 

Biden’s signature topic is healthcare and the goal to make health care better for all Americans. He served his Vice Presidency under Barack Obama in the Affordable Care Act, furthering his healthcare priorities of giving all Americans affordable healthcare. As COVID-19 continues its course, Biden has pitched suggestions such as free testing for everyone.    

One of the major events that has impacted this year’s election is COVID-19. COVID prevents many elderly and immune compromised individuals from exiting their homes to vote at the polling station. While there are many who can go to the polling station, some states are stricter in their social distancing rules than others. 

Something that will affect who people vote for is how our candidates are addressing topics.

According to the Pew Research Center, to President Trump “the economy (88%) and violent crime (74%) are the most salient issues.  Biden is strong on his support of healthcare and… his supporters “view healthcare (84%) and the coronavirus outbreak (82%) as very important.” 

Both of this year’s presidential candidates make their views open and well known to voters. It is the privilege of American citizens to take the opportunity to vote. Wash. voters can register online to vote, and then deliver their ballot to a voting box or send it through the mail.