[Editor’s note: The following is a collection of quotes from The Silversword staff writers about why they are voting in the upcoming election on Nov. 3.]

Jessica Baliares, 23, Hawaii: “For the last 5 years of my life I would have never have thought about voting, but I have decided at the age of 23 years old that I would cast my ballot into this year’s election. What got me to choose to vote this time was that we have current leaders in office who have kind of failed us during a global pandemic and have not kept the country or islands safe. They have not led by example but have been using their power to pretend that everything is fake or just chose to act late during a crisis. That is why I have decided to vote during the up and coming election.”

Gavin Bedoya: 22, Hawaii: “The reason I want to vote this year is because I regret not having to vote last election when I could’ve had a voice in changing our country for the better. What we are going through now with our current president to me is unacceptable, and that reason is why I want to vote for someone who can be a better leader and change our country’s future laws to benefit minorities in America.”

Brenna Flores: 20, Hawaii: “I am a newly registered voter, and my reason for my voting in the next election is because I am tired of the injustice that the people in this country face. I am also tired of a president who constantly speaks inaccurate facts and handles things poorly. He has not made America great; he has made it worse.”

Ronnie Gallegos: 21, Long Beach, CA: “I plan to vote this year because a lot is at stake, and it is an opportunity for change. According to MarketWatch.com, 40% of Americans who were eligible to vote in 2016 didn’t. That is terrible. I don’t want to be a part of that percentage this year since this will be my first time being eligible to vote. I also don’t want Trump to be re-elected, so I feel like it is important to do my part and make sure I vote for anyone else but him.”

Brittney Ganzelli, 20, Hawaii: “I plan on voting this year because I believe my generation has the authority to collectively change the outcome of the election if we all take action and vote. This election is important to me because of the divide it is causing in the United States. I believe that having Donald Trump as our sitting president has encouraged and promoted racial injustice inequality for too long, I believe our vote counts, and to sit back idly indirectly enables this to happen.”

Beau Larsen, 22, Nebraska “In regards to voting, I plan on doing so. I believe it is better to vote and b**ch about lack of change than to not vote and still b**ch about lack of change. Voting is our chance to use our voice in hopes it can make a change for the better in the future.”

Dominique Marshall, 22, Hawaii: “I am registered to vote for this election and plan on voting in the general election. With everything that is going on in the world, it is very important to vote for who we want to be in office. I truly believe that if you don’t vote you can’t complain, which is one of the reasons why I am voting. I want my voice to be heard because I didn’t vote in the 2016 election even though I could have. I feel like my voice now has a bigger impact than I thought it did.”

Bridget Saifoloi, 20, Hawaii: “I am registered to vote this November 2020 and plan on doing so. Have you ever heard the saying ‘every vote matters?’ I believe that, and that’s one of the reasons why I’m voting. Everyone has a choice to choose a candidate and make a change. Supporting the candidates can help the community, state, and even the nation for the greater good. I want my voice to be heard and my vote put to good use.”