On Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2024, the presidential election was expected to polarize the nation. It did just that. Experts correctly anticipated the election to be a nail-biter, and Republican candidate Donald Trump narrowly beat Democratic candidate Kamala Harris by 1.5% of the popular vote and 86 electoral college votes. Americans were conflicted with each other as well as within themselves. Yet, they all had one thing in common despite who or what they voted for on the ballot: they were voting to improve the state of the country however they saw fit. 

High schoolers may be under the assumption that politics do not matter or do not impact them personally. Besides, most high school students still need to meet the voting requirement of being at least 18 years old. However, elections still have effects on high schoolers. For example, inflation directly impacts students as they spend their money on purchases such as food and clothes. Additionally, the government creates a lasting policy that has implications for them in the future. It is important to be aware of what is going on at the capitol in Washington D.C. and the capitol in Pierre. On Jan. 20, 2025, Trump and his vice president JD Vance will be sworn into office. As the change takes place, the following issues are at the forefront of Americans’ minds:

Abortion- 

Some of the most pressing issues for this election, especially for those on the left, seem to be abortion and women’s rights. During his first term as president, Trump supported a nationwide ban on abortions during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy that was backed by Republicans in the House, although the bill never was passed. The Roe v. Wade decision that protected abortion as a fundamental right was also overturned during Trump’s time in the Whitehouse in 2022. This upcoming term, Trump has voiced not supporting a federal ban, but rather leaving it up to the states to decide. However, many medical instruments and contraceptives used to assist abortions may become illegal, especially across state lines. There is also a chance of transgender opportunities being taken away, such as gender-affirming care. In South Dakota, this means abortion is illegal with no exceptions as the state voted no on Amendment G.

Border Security/Immigration –

Similar to his first term as President, Trump strives to end illegal immigration entirely. With goals of pursuing mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and further securing the United States-Mexico border, the Trump administration strives to improve wages and job conditions for Americans by opening up jobs that illegal immigrants previously worked. Additionally, he hopes stronger border security will solve the Fentanyl crisis. Trump believes illegal drug cartels are bringing deadly substances into the U.S., selling them for profit at the expense of lives. Critics argue that this could reshape the economic and societal standings of the country because there would be less immigrant labor. Long term, his policy poses the chance of a dramatic shift in immigration across America, further changing the economic status of the United States. South Dakota’s governor Kristi Noem was elected as secretary of Homeland Security for Trump, where she will work alongside border patrol to secure the border even more. Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden will fill the empty position of South Dakota’s governor.

Inflation – 

According to CNBC, Americans are having trouble affording living as prices are still 21.4% more expensive since the pandemic began in February 2020. Not only is inflation still up, but it also has increased over the past year. The consumer price index increased 2.7% and egg prices rose 38% over the past year. Complaints have been heard across the nation. Voters were looking for a change, as reflected by the shift in votes in comparison to the 2020 election. Trump headlined his goals to bring down inflation as a main point of his campaign, instilling hope for some. 

RFK Jr. – 

In 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. decided to leave his profession as an environmental lawyer and activist, best known for cleaning up the Hudson River, to pursue politics. Although he never planned to do this, he followed in his father and uncle’s footsteps. RFK Jr. ran in the 2024 presidential election as a candidate for the Independent party, promising to focus on the health of Americans and tackle the chronic diseases that have been increasingly plaguing Americans for the past few decades such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. However, in Aug. 2024, RFK Jr. suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump. Despite previously being up against each other and disagreeing on some issues, RFK Jr. believed Trump would have the greatest chance of aiding in his goals for Americans’ health and food. They joined forces and Trump chose him to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Although others are skeptical and label RFK Jr. an “anti-vaxxer,” others are eager to see what RFK Jr. can accomplish in his new position as someone who seems to not be tied up with other politicians or hidden agendas. 

The rundown on SD voting – 

This year, South Dakota voted for more than to simply elect the president; there were various amendments on the ballot as well. Although the presidential election attracts much of the media attention, the amendments are significant as well. Some would argue that they even have more of a personal impact because they directly shape the state legislature. 

Amendment E: Changes the State Constitution to use gender-inclusive language rather than exclusively masculine pronouns.

Voted NO

Amendment F: Requires individuals to work to qualify for Medicaid benefits.

Voted YES

Amendment G: Permits abortion with no limit in the first trimester, some abortions permitted in the second trimester and permits abortions only for medical lifesaving care throughout the third trimester.

Voted NO

Amendment H: Allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference instead of by party, with the top two candidates advancing to the next round of elections.

Voted NO

Initiated Measure 28: Eliminates taxes on food products, excluding alcohol. 

Voted NO

Initiated Measure 29: Legalizes the possession of up to 2 oz of marijuana for individuals 21 and older.

Voted NO

Referred Law 21: Authorizes counties to charge a $1 fee per foot of pipeline, with the proceeds directed toward supporting property owners’ taxes. The law also establishes requirements for pipeline installation, including depth and accountability for leaks.

Voted NO