MWCC Students Share Their Thoughts
By Benjamin Heffner | Observer Contributor
On the national stage, former President Donald Trump secured victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to become the 47th president of the United States. Trump became the first president since Grover Cleveland to win two nonconsecutive terms. He earned 312 electoral votes to Harris’ 226, sweeping all seven battleground states. Trump also won the national popular vote, making him the first Republican to do so in 20 years.
Republicans regained control of the Senate with a 53-47 majority, flipping Democratic-held seats in Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Democrats held onto seats in Arizona, Maryland, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Republicans also won the House of Representatives, securing a government trifecta.
State
For voters in Massachusetts, federal-level races unfolded as expected. Vice President Harris won the Bay State’s 11 electoral votes, Democratic U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren was re-elected to a third term over Republican challenger John Deaton, and all nine Democratic U.S. representatives were re-elected. The biggest question was how voters would decide on the five ballot measures. Voters passed Question 1, which repeals the MCAS graduation requirement, with 59% voting in favor. Another closely watched ballot measure, which would raise the minimum wage for tipped workers, was rejected with 64.4% voting against it, marking a huge win for local businesses. Other approved measures included a proposal to audit the state legislature and another allowing ride-share drivers to form unions. A measure to legalize certain psychedelic substances was rejected.
Student Opinions
Mount Wachusett Community College students provided their thoughts on the presidential race
and the state ballot measures in the days following the election.
Phoebe Theall, 18, a Political Science major, expressed concern for the country as both a woman and an open supporter of Kamala Harris. “This outcome feels incredibly heartbreaking, and I truly worry about our rights,” Theall said. However, she continued to have faith that brighter days for America are ahead. “The indomitable human spirit is difficult to kill, and I do believe the American people will not allow this to suppress them”.
In contrast, Jenny Karagosian, 37, a Human Services major, expressed concern about state ballot questions 2 and 5. “MCAS is designed to show where a school is at as a whole and what needs to be worked on. A student shouldn’t have to stay back because their school isn’t giving them the education they need or what’s on the test,” said Karagosian. As for Question 5, Karagosian explained, “I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 18 and rely on tips to pay my bills to supplement what my nonprofit paycheck doesn’t provide. If [Question 5] passed, I would lose my tips, food prices would skyrocket, and half the restaurant would lose their jobs because they wouldn’t want to pay us all.”
Desiree Leader, 61, an Interdisciplinary Studies major, was so disappointed by the election results that it brought her to tears. “I have been voting since the early 80’s. I have voted for people who have won and I have voted for people who have lost. This is the first time I ever sat down and cried over the election results.”
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