On November 7th, 2020, the 2020 presidential election was called for Joe Biden by several news outlets like the Associated Press. Biden secured the necessary 270 electoral votes to become president when Pennsylvania was called for him, making him the presumptive president-elect.
In a social media poll surveying 157 La Cañada High School students, 71% believed the 2020 election was fair and secure while 29% did not.
Several LCHS students commented on the election, expressing their hopes and desires with a new change in leadership.
Edwin Tieu (12) said, “The American people have spoken. Four years of a tumultuous, hectic, and sometimes divisive Trump administration have come to an end. I hope that America can rebuild our relationships with foreign allies that we have alienated under this Trump administration, and get back on track to stop climate change and global warming.”
Furthermore, Adam Driscoll (12) said, “The Biden presidency will be similar to the Obama Presidency. He will definitely have a better handle on the COVID-19 pandemic and heal the wounds and divisions that were created by the Trump administration. I think he will also be a true advocate for promoting the general welfare of humanity as a whole, not just in the United States.”
“This election was a clear referendum on the Trump administration’s failure to handle the pandemic and racial justice,” an anonymous tenth grader stated, “I hope Biden will handle this virus and economy better than his predecessor.”
Others expressed strong opinions for those that supported or continue to support Trump.
Noah Chun (12) said, “Although our nation was saved from destruction by a slim margin of about 5 million votes, our path ahead is rocky and our future still uncertain. Those who have contorted their minds to try and convince themselves that the election was stolen and attempt to deny a peaceful transfer of power are traitors to the nation, destroyers of democracy, and the seed that allows extremism and fascism to grow.”
The unique nature of the election also raised some concerns over the integrity and security in the lead up towards election day. Considering some portions of the ballots were mailed in, it was speculated that there would be massive voter fraud.
As the legal team from Trump prepare for a series of lawsuits that challenge the results of elections across the nation, LCHS students also weighed in on the security of the election.
An anonymous 11th grader said in a brief statement, “There seems to be evidence of minor voter fraud in specific cases but not enough to overturn the electoral points of a state, let alone an entire election. From what I have seen, this election was fairly secure.”
Since President Trump has yet to concede to Presumptive President-elect Joe Biden, the world is anxiously anticipating what will happen in the next few months.
