With uncertainties weighing on the world in terms of health and safety during a time of pandemic, politics plays a key role, and so does the president.

The Nov. 3 Presidential election is quickly approaching and the two primary candidates have a whole new topic to cover and prepare to discuss. COVID-19 struck at a crucial moment in both campaigns, where the candidates, like a lot of other politicians, had to find a way to connect to the American people using technology and distanced campaigning.

A few important dates are coming up quickly for those who are interested in voting.

The voting registration deadline is Oct. 5, while the deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 31, all of the forms can be found online at the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, olvr.ohiosos.gov.

Those who vote absentee need to have their ballot postmarked by Nov. 3, according to the Secretary of State’s website. Students wanting to vote without the hassle of driving home should request an absentee ballot so the vote is counted.

Early voting is also an option and will start beginning Oct. 6, but there will be other times available in a schedule posted on Ohio.gov.

In-person voting the day of the election is still up in the air in some places, but in the state of Ohio, it is being offered from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., but before showing up, the government urges everyone to check to see whether they are registered and where the closest polling location is.

A quick breakdown

President Donald Trump focused on immigration, foreign policy, the economy, and job growth in his speeches for re-election. In a press conference held on Aug. 31, Trump highlighted on the growth that the stock market has seen in the last few months.

Former Vice President Joe Biden announced on Aug. 11 that his running mate would be Kamala Harris, who entered into the presidential race earlier, but dropped out due to “lack of funds” on Dec. 3, 2019. Shortly after, she endorsed Biden.

Biden has been focusing his campaign on defeating Trump. From the very beginning, Biden has challenged Trump’s ideas and questioned decisions, which ultimately led to his decision of running.

The two come from opposite parties, but offer one similarity in strategy: both candidates do not want to see the parties mischaracterized as extremist groups. Biden shows a different form of demorcratic candidate than those who typically are in the race, with most of his views straying from strict liberal ideas.

Trump found himself drawn to the Republican Party one year, and Democratic the next, but as of 2017, RealClearPolitics reports that Trump called himself a “total nationalist”.

The candidates continue to release updates every day regarding the status of their campaign, including details about their thoughts and beliefs and being a voice of authority in uncertain times. 

Until then, researching candidates and learning why they are running/ what changes they will bring to this country helps voters to make informed decisions. 

Debate information

The first presidential debate is taking place on Sept. 29 at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland. The vice president debate is shortly after on Oct. 7.

Following the first debate, there will be two more on Oct. 15 and Oct. 22 between the two primary candidates. 

Those debates will all be aired on national news channels like Fox and CNN.