PAC Student Media

By Jessica Hurtado
Pulse Staff Reporter

Palo Alto students have concerns about what awaits their future. During presidential elections, candidates promise positive change for our nation, but will they deliver?

Students have diverse opinions about healthcare’s affordability, college/university affordability, the right to bear arms, immigration and climate change, yet everyone wants what is best for our future.

One of the nation’s most discussed topics is healthcare’s affordability. A lot of people do not like it, even though it has helped.

“I do believe everyone should have affordable healthcare, but it is up to the individual if they want to use it or not,” said Christian Lopez, a sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice.

Many people do not like that they have to pay for something they do not really use but have to because it became obligatory. If you do not have coverage by January 2016, you will be fined, and that’s upsetting some.

“People are paying so much money every month and barely using their insurance, but they have to now because it’s a requirement. People should have the option to get health insurance if they want,” said Gabrielle Gloria, a sophomore Pre-Nursing major.

Republican Presidential Candidate Jeb Bush, just like many other candidates, wants to replace the Affordable Care Act and begin a new healthcare plan. He wants to create a back-up support system for those who have health needs that cost more than what they can afford.

Another hot issue is the affordability of college/university. Many students believe if it is not free then it should be affordable to attend college or universities so everyone who wants more education can have it.

“I think college/university should be more affordable and maybe more students would go to college,” said Joset Mata, a sophomore majoring in ESL Teaching.

Bernie Sanders, a Democratic candidate, wants to make college free for everyone by taxing financial transactions.

The right to bear arms is another topic that has Americans and students talking. Students are scared that it will be legal for people to carry guns with them on campus, but others think it is a good idea because it might help in some situations.

“The one thing that should be considered is teaching or offering students a self-defense class, or a class that teaches you how to handle weapons correctly in order to create a generation who is mindful of how they use weapons and what damage they can really do,” said Ken Cruz, a sophomore majoring in Engineering.

Others believe the best solution would be to make sure gun shops do a thorough criminal and medical background check to make sure they are not handing guns to criminals or mentally unstable people.

Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton wants background checks to prevent felons, fugitives and others to buy guns.

Climate change is another topic that not too many people realize will have a major impact on current and future generations.

“I think the government should help by letting the people know the actual truth about the climate, and about what is going on,” said Mata.

“There are many things the government can do. One would be to make hybrid vehicles more affordable, improve energy in transportation and remove fossil fuels. They can also pay for homes to use solar panels and build water storage units. We already recycle, but it does not mean that the process can’t be improved,” said Cruz.

On this topic, candidates say something should be done, but they do not actually go into what should be done besides reducing greenhouse gasses.

Immigration has been one of the most talked about issues throughout the years in the United States. Many students support giving citizenship to undocumented people because they believe they helped this country progress and grow.

Many believe that immigrants deserve to be accepted and not shunned like Candidate Donald Trump believes.

“The Statue of Liberty resembled hope and freedom for those immigrants who fled their country to escape pain and suffering, and it is sad that they find what they were running from,” said Lopez.

Voting for the next president of the United States will take place on Nov. 8, 2016. Early voting will begin Oct. 8, 2016. To be eligible to vote, you must:

1. Check eligibility (18 years old and U.S. citizen)
2. Register online (You will need a valid driver’s license, state ID card, social security number or date of birth)
3. You can fill in and mail in your National Mail Voter Registration Form

OR

Register in person by going to your state’s voter registration office or election offices:

4. Check your state’s deadline (In Texas, the deadline is 30 days before Election Day.)

5. Fill out the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) to vote absentee, if you’re:

• Active-duty military or a dependent
• Member of Merchant or Public Health Service
• If you are going overseas

6. Wait to receive your voter registration certificate in the mail. (It is important to check that you’ve been registered to vote before the last day to register.)
7. Last but not least, consider registering with a national political party or organization.

• Democratic Party Voter Registration
• Republic Party Voter Registration
• Non-Partisan

Healthcare, college/university affordability, the right to bear arms, immigration and climate change are all issues that will impact your life. Research the candidates and their stand on these issues, then vote for who will best represent you.