By: Jade Murphy

Every four years, the U.S. holds a presidential election making the chosen candidate president of the United States.

With the presidential election coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 8, voters have a difficult decision to make — vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton or Republican Donald Trump. The political temperature on Delaware State University’s campus leans more toward the Democratic side, however there are still people with Republican views.

An anonymous poll was taken showing who students plan on voting for and the results showed that 45 percent of students plan on voting for Hillary Clinton, 16 percent of students plan on voting for Donald Trump and 39 percent of students are undecided or are voting for a different party.

“I’m voting for Hillary because she has more political experience, especially with foreign policy,” said student Courtney McClure.

One student, who chose to remain anonymous to prevent being judged for their decision, is voting for Trump because they don’t feel Clinton is the ideal candidate, further noting Trump being pro-life and seems to be for the success of small businesses.

“When it comes to politics in the classroom, there are a few strategies to keep political views balanced without offending students,” said Dr. Samuel Hoff, director of the Law Studies Program.

One strategy is to actually have debates in class, said Hoff. Having debates in class allows students to express their views. Another strategy Dr. Hoff uses is simulations, or role play. “Criticizing is one thing but when you’re put in the place of the candidate with questions being thrown at you it’s a different learning experience.”

Hoff said it is important for students to have knowledge of all of the candidates within the classroom, so that students have a full understanding of the different issues going on throughout this election.

Some of the top issues in this election that effect students the most are free tuition, jobs and the economy, and healthcare.

In 1971, the 26th Amendment was passed, lowering the voting age to 18; however the lowest percentage of voters today are young people.  This is why Hoff says it’s so important for students to vote. “We are in a free society where we get to choose our leaders. It’s not every day we get to vote, voting goes beyond our civic duty,” he said.

(Photo: google.com)