Voters stepping up the ballot to vote in the 2024 Election. Photo Creds: Unsplash.
Note from the staff:
Political coverage is a hard but necessary part of the journalistic experience. This piece represents a specific angle, in this case how some students felt about the loss of their preferred candidate(s). It is important to note that our publication, as a student-based program, did not endorse either presidential candidate in the November 2024 race.
Anna Norris, Sports Desk Lead to The Powderhorn
For some female students at Watauga, the Presidential election results on November 6, 2024 raised questions for the future of the next four years. Both candidates took strong stances on topics like freedom of speech, climate change, health care and reproductive rights, education, immigration, and the economy. Select students at Watauga now begin to wonder what the future holds for their rights.
“I believe all of these are in jeopardy. Especially given the fact that we will have an entirely Republican government,” said Bee Donnelly, junior. “There’s more chance of all ideas proposed to be passed immediately, despite the negative impact it will have on American citizens of all kinds. We have a very diverse population, and I believe that the current focus on specific ideas and norms trying to be pushed can be damaging to many groups and cultures.”
With the re-election of President Trump, some female students are anxious to find out the changes that will be made in his upcoming term on human rights issues. Recurring conflicts with Supreme Court cases identifying constitutional rights will be an important issue to these young adults.
“During his first term, Trump also appointed Supreme Court Justices that needed to overturn Roe v. Wade, the national protection of a woman’s right to choose,” said Rachel Ingram, junior. “This also led to removal of IVF procedures in many states. Because of Roe v. Wade being overturned, women have died from not receiving essential healthcare, and other women’s dreams of having children have been shattered. Donald Trump says he stands for family-but when mothers are dying, or are being denied the right to have children, is he truly a ‘family’ man?”
No matter your political and personal beliefs, these female students argue every person has the right to their own opinions.
“It’s important to me to be able to have a voice in decisions being made for my country and for my body,” said Iyla Freed, junior. “I have been more involved in keeping myself educated, and I want to see what opportunities I can take to be a part of more social justice in my community in the upcoming years.”
Since the election, these students have seen differences in the content on social media. With political campaigns being highlighted, it can feel overwhelming.
“I have noticed less content from Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and other strong democratic candidates,” said Ingram. “I have actually noticed increased content from activism accounts I already followed, and friends and influencers who used to not post as much political content.”
These students worry about what will come in January but still believe in their country.
“I am optimistic that in the future I will be able to see a woman be president and have the security of my rights,” said Freed. “I hope to be able to move forward with our country and see people treating each other with kindness and unity.”
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