Key Issues in this Election Sway Votes

By Zach Bradley

College of Southern Nevada students will cast their ballots in next month’s presidential election with key issues in mind.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump hold divergent views on important issues. For some CSN students, they’re most worried about a multitude of these issues ranging from reproductive rights to climate change.

According to a fall 2024 poll conducted by the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, “Harris leads Donald Trump by 17 percentage points among young adults under 30 in a multi-candidate field. Her advantage expands to 23 points among registered voters and a substantial 31 points among likely voters.”

The poll informed, “56% of young Americans tell us they plan to ‘definitely’ vote in the upcoming election. Among registered voters, the number rises to 72%.”

According to her website, Vice President Harris and running mate Governor Tim Walz are fighting for a new way forward, citing protections for fundamental freedoms, strengthening our democracy and ensuring opportunities for citizens to not just get by, but to get ahead.

Former President Donald Trump is once again running under the slogan, “Make America Great Again.” According to his website, Trump cites former accomplishments as president such as fixing globalist trade deals, ending foreign wars, securing the border, and standing up to Big Pharma and China.

CSN student Dani Molina said she is voting this election. When asked what party she aligns with Molina said, “Democrat, because human rights are vital to our country and without them, we wouldn’t be a free country.”

CSN student Gabriel Gonzalez said this will be his first time voting. Gonzalez said he also aligns with the Democratic party.

“I am concerned over the illegitimate concerns over election integrity (like 2020). I think no matter who wins, the losing side must concede gracefully,” Gonzalez said.

CSN student Crystal DeJesus said she will be voting with her mailed-in ballot. A Democrat, DeJesus said she agrees with Harris’ pledge to restore Roe v. Wade and not raise taxes on middle-class families; however, there are some issues she disagrees with.

“I don’t necessarily agree with the elimination of taxes on tips though,” DeJesus said. “I absolutely believe waiters and hospitality workers should be paid minimum wage. They shouldn’t have to depend on tips to survive.”

Election Day is Nov. 5.  More information about voter registration or local polling places can be found on the Nevada Secretary of State’s website at www.nvsos.gov.