The 2024 presidential election was filled with a number of key issues that became the forefront of its candidates’ campaigns. Kamala Harris centered her campaign around restoring reproductive rights and economic stability. Meanwhile her opponent, Donald Trump, focused on immigration and monetary promises like cutting down taxes and inflation.
SHC students have their own opinions on what they felt were the most important issues throughout the election. Siena Larkin ‘27 conducted a poll on 189 students, all of which were able to select three choices from a list presented to them of critical factors. Out of ten presented, the top three issues were healthcare, women’s reproductive rights, and climate change. These were closely followed by the topics of gun policies and violence/crime. Based on the poll, here are the top three issues and students’ responses on their importance:
Healthcare
“I think healthcare, specifically health insurance, has caused a lot of problems, and the system set up in the US right now is very unstable and costs more than basic healthcare should.” – Elizabeth McAfee ‘27
“Healthcare and gender inequality go hand in hand as female access to reproductive health rights is threatened by primarily republican state governments and gender affirming care for queer people is becoming more and more limited.” – Sarro Schuster ‘25
“I think healthcare is very important because the government should provide more for people such as the homeless and [those addicted to drugs].” – Valentino Mayorga ‘25
Women’s Reproductive Rights
“As a woman, my rights, which include reproductive rights, [are] very important. I want to have access to the best healthcare, no matter what it be for. You cannot have a reproductive rights [conversation without listening to women’s opinions.]” – Juliette de Clapiers ‘27
“Women in this country are currently fighting for our rights, including rights regarding abortions, and with Kamala as President we would have that option.” Gianna Bankovitch ’27 points out that candidate Trump has stated he is pro-life. In some legislation, this creates the possibility of abortions being illegal even when the mother’s life is in danger.
“As a woman who is about to go to college, I am very focused on what my rights will be, most specifically what rights I will have over my body and the choices I make.” – Katie Nelson ‘25
“I wonder what the difference between Healthcare and Women’s Reproductive Rights is. I would hope they are the same thing.” – Robert Baldocchi ‘25
Climate Change
“I chose climate change because we can see the effects it has on our world especially in colder places like Alaska. I used to live in Alaska for a month and when I went back recently I could clearly see the changes it had on the environment.” – Conor James-Hickey ‘25
“I feel very strongly about the climate change issue because I feel it is the most important political, social and economic problem that is looming in our world and it is being seemingly ignored on the ballot. This is a doomsday view of it, but none of these other issues with human society matter if our climate is destroyed.” – Zoe Tauber ‘25
“To me, climate change is one of the most important issues in this upcoming election because both candidates have such polarized opinions regarding this issue. Also, climate change has the most implications regarding the rest of the world too.” – Brevin Hom ‘25
During this election season, both Harris and Trump were vocal about these issues to the American people, presenting very polarized stances throughout their campaigns. Because the winner of the election is already set in stone, the promises Trump has articulated regarding them will continue to play out over the next 4 years, and the effects of his policies will make their mark for countless years to come.
