As Election Day approaches, the cookies on the ballot feel especially significant. For those of us who can’t vote yet, understanding the candidates and their stances is still crucial because these decisions shape the world we’re growing up in. This election will impact everything from our rights to the opportunities we have in the future, making it about more than just today- it’s about the country we’ll inherit.

In a race defined by clear contrast, Kamala Harris and Colin Allred offer visions of hope and unity that stand in opposition to Donald Trump and Ted Cruz’s divisive rhetoric. While Trump and Cruz focus on policies that limit progress in areas like healthcare, education and equality, Harris and Allred prioritize justice, climate actions and economic opportunity for all. These differences set the course for the future, making this election a critical moment that could define the path forward for the next generation.

Kamala Harris’s campaign is deeply rooted in a compelling vision for America that boldly tackles pivotal issues head-on. This vision encompasses not only protecting women’s right on abortion but also spearheading preventative initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety of our schools. Harris’s dedication to championing these essential causes reflects her unwavering commitment to creating more inclusive and secure society. Addressing these pressing concerns with practical solutions and a strong sense of urgency.

Trump’s idea of advocating for energy independence would be a good idea in theory, but the idea would include increasing oil production and would greatly impact the ecosystems around us that we should be protecting.  On the other hand, Harris wants to tackle the climate crisis, protect our lands, and hold those who try to damage our environment accountable, which will lead to healthier habitats, cleaner water and overall increasing sanitation and health in homes.

Trump wants mass deportation, while instead, Kamala would like to institute a reform. She would still add strong border security to prevent fentanyl along with other drugs and gangs while simultaneously making sure those who want to come to the United States can come with Citizenship.

The Senate election is a battleground mainly between Ted Cruz (R), Collen Allred (D) and Ted Brown (Libertarian). Write-in candidate Tracy Andrus is less spotlighted as the other nominees consistently engage in debates amongst each other. Currently, the majority of the Senate is controlled by the Democrats with 51 seats and Republicans with 49. 

Incumbent Ted Cruz doesn’t shy away from his conservative viewpoints. From wanting to restrict undocumented immigrants to opposing ideas such as “net neutrality” and Common Core. His main and most forward attacks have been against policies that support transgender people. On the other hand, Allred is trying to gain the loyalty of Democrats to unseat the incumbent while being the first Black senator. Differences in abortion rights between the two have split the audience greatly as the popular issue is constantly mentioned. Though Allred is clear in his support for abortion, he blames many of the current restrictions on women’s access to reproductive healthcare on Cruz. Brown has not talked much about specifics regarding the issue, simply stating that he is pro-choice. 

When it comes to the environment and policies regarding them, the candidates share the same tone. Both Cruz and Allred have a personal mission to fuel back American energy like it was previously before the 2020 pandemic. Cruz wishes to include more blue-collar jobs that depend on the energy industry to boost the economy, employment, and the industry of energy and water production to promote a healthier environment. Another fight Cruz takes part in is fighting to protect the Texas oil sectors which he believes the Biden administration and big business are out to destroy. He believes that if those forces succeed, millions of blue-collar jobs and the energy industry will be lost throughout Texas and the whole nation. 

Collen Allred mainly focuses on projects that will advance the economy through the correct usage of resources from the environment. He has co-led various streamlined federal projects with bipartisan support which have brought thousands of manufacturing and construction jobs into Texas. He’s secured Texas priorities as a bipartisan water resources bill passed, authorizing millions of dollars for Dallas County. He publicly opposed harmful legislation that would make appliances less efficient and more costly for the sake of the community and the economy. Allred has invested time and effort into other, various projects which allows for the funding of projects in hopes of making Texas, and the US as a nation, better. 

Brown on the other hand speaks little about issues or plans for the environment, keeping his responses unelaborated. When asked about environmental regulations, Brown was against the idea of the government increasing environmental regulations to prevent climate change. 

Candidates Cruz and Allred follow their respective party candidates for the presidency. While Cruz and Trump follow similar wave paths of ideas, Harris and Allred do the same. Understanding each candidate prior to the election is a must for all voters, but it is important to understand the parties that these candidates fall under and represent. As seniors in high school reach the age of 18, a new kind of responsibility is unlocked. Every citizen must present their voice, no matter how different it may be from another’s.