KATIE LENDA
Staff Writer
Election Day is quickly approaching, and Americans are finalizing their voting plan in accordance with COVID-19 precautions.
The pandemic has reinvented the term “voting plan” this election, giving Americans several options in order to cast their ballot.
As of Oct. 1, over 4 million Americans have already cast their vote through mail-in ballots.
Numerous states are preparing for early voting to avoid clusters of people at the polls on Election Day.
New York State will begin early voting Oct. 24 until Nov. 1.
Several Fredonia students are choosing to vote by mail, or they are choosing to vote early in person.
Sophomore international studies and communication major, Grace Quinlivan, will vote in her hometown of West Seneca during the early voting window.
“My roommates and I are all going to Erie County to vote together,” she said.
“Since we are all from there, it will be easier to vote in person than for each of us to request individual absentee ballots.”
Senior political science major, Lylens Lubin, said he will be voting by mail this year.
Being from Brooklyn, mail-in voting is the most practical choice for him.
“Many students at Fredonia live too far to cast their ballot in person on Election Day or through early voting,” he said.
“Mail-in voting is especially important for these students, but also for students who live closer to Fredonia that may not feel comfortable voting in person.”
The last day to request a ballot is Oct. 27. If you will not be able to vote in person, be sure to request your absentee ballot prior to that date.
COVID-19 is not only changing how people vote, but why people vote.
The pandemic has been a crucial topic of discussion in the 2020 election.
Junior public relations major, Leah DeGraw, cited COVID-19 as a motivating factor to vote in this election.
She said, “COVID in combination with quarantine has given me a lot of time to consider how the current president handled and continues to handle the pandemic. This will ultimately sway my vote.”
Senior journalism major, Hope Winter, expressed concerns regarding public health in this pandemic.
She said, “ I believe it’s important to vote, especially this year, because our healthcare and lives depend on it. Whether you think there needs to be more COVID restrictions or less, the way to use your voice regarding COVID is to vote in this election.”
Regardless of your opinion or political affiliation, this pandemic has undeniably changed our lives.
Therefore, if you are satisfied with the current administration’s handling of the virus, vote to keep Trump in office.
If you are unsatisfied, the only way to make change is by voting in a new president.
Use your voice and enact your civic duty by voting, however you choose to do so, this Presidential Election.
https://elections.erie.gov/Early-Voting?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
https://www.elections.ny.gov/votingabsentee.html https://chqgov.com/board-of-elections/Early-Voting-Information