As the election results concluded, it was clear that Americans’ priorities differed throughout the nation. While some were focused on the economy, others worried about climate change and health care. Pattonville High School was no exception.
11 seniors shared their views about what drove their decisions as first-time voters. For some, climate change concerns swayed their vote, for others social justice policies. According to senior Abby Hachmeister, “Environmental policies, LGBTQ+, women’s rights, defunding/reforming the police” shaped her voting decision.’
However, for senior Jordyn Lodes, the pandemic drove her choice. “Currently, I think policies surrounding COVID-19 are very important.” She also felt major issues included “preventing climate change and fair taxes.”
While Missouri as a whole decided on President Trump, St. Louis County turned out record voters, the majority of whom voted for former Vice President Biden.
Of the 528,075 St. Louis County voters, Biden won 322,802 of them, or 61.13%, according to The Associated Press’s 2020 Electoral Map.
In the months preparing for the election many tuned in for the presidential debates. Lily Holland, a senior, says she listened for “policy details, any new info/clarifications of vague plans they’ve been talking about, trying to get a feel for who the candidate is as a person.” For Lily Holland, it’s important to vote: “Voting is super important and it lets your voice be heard. It might seem like one vote won’t do much or change the tide, but all of those one little votes add up, and they can seriously influence the election.”