The 2024 Election: A Defining Moment of Youthful Engagement and the Power of Every Vote
Photo provided by Megan Silva
Aftershock of the election.
History is shaped not by the decisions of yesterday, but by the voices we raise today—what will the 2024 election say about us? The election was a whirlwind of emotions for all parties, concluding with significant outcomes throughout the political spectrum.
Most notably, former President Donald Trump secured a return to the White House, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Many swing states, also known as battleground states, such as Arizona, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, had a majority of citizens voting for the Republican party. This resulted in former President Trump winning with a total of 312 electoral votes, compared to Vice President Harris’s 226 electoral votes. Although many thought the election would be a close call, statistics prove otherwise.
The Senate is now in control by the Republican party with 52 seats being held by Republican politicians. A common trend in reasoning as to why citizens voted for Trump as opposed to Vice President Harris was for their belief that the economy would shift, with hopes of taxes being lower, and a smaller wealth gap between the upper class and the middle class. Therefore, with more Republicans in the Senate, citizens who voted for former President Trump hope to see changes in economic policies.
The Republican party had other notable wins in several different states such as Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Michigan, as they have been able to expand their representation throughout these states. In Pennsylvania, Republicans were able to capture the 7th and 8th congressional districts which were previously held by the Democratic party, most likely shifting the voices that would be making decisions on behalf of the state for future elections. For North Carolina, the Republicans secured three additional seats in the House, hoping to spread Republican ideologies throughout the state even further. In Michigan, Republicans secured a win in the 7th district, expanding their representation further throughout the Midwest.
Although former President Trump won over the swing state of Arizona, a rather important “Democratic” ideology was legalized in the state as well. The pro-life and pro-choice movements have gained widespread attention over these last couple of years after the Supreme Court, during former President Trump’s presidency, overthrew Roe v. Wade, which was a Supreme Court decision of 1973. Since then, many have been fighting for the right to access abortions, while others have been heavily protesting abortion being legalized. During this recent election, Arizona approved Proposition 139, ensuring the fundamental right to abortion until around 24 weeks of pregnancy, or up until fetal viability. This measure also allows for individuals to receive abortions post-viability when necessary to protect the life of the pregnant individual. Before this proposition was legalized, Arizona had a 15-week abortion ban in place. Although the Republican party was victorious in Arizona, Arizonans still voted for access to abortions, showing that political parties and abortion rights do not go hand-in-hand. Many would assume that only Democrats would want to legalize abortions, but this particular case goes against that assumption.
Regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with former President Donald Trump’s re-election, or the election and re-election of various state officials, officers, and court judges, this election has underscored two critical points: the significant turnout among younger voters and the vital role of participation in democracy. Every vote counts, and this election serves as a powerful reminder that individual voices have the potential to shape the future and advocate for what people believe in.