As the 2020 elections come to a close, races from the President to local measures have yet to be decided. This year has come with challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and protests against racial injustices across America. 

Through it all, City College students made their voices heard and voted.

Once the polls closed, three students responded to questions on the importance of voting and their experience.

Paul Herrmann

Paul Herrmann, a 42-year-old working on his Alcohol and Other Drug Studies certificate, said he has never missed voting on an election since he was 18.

“I see it as a civic responsibility, the same as serving on jury duty or anything else,” Herrmann said. “It is critical to vote because if you leave your voice out you’re letting other people make the decisions.”

When going over battling disinformation, Herrmann said make sure you are informed and have those tough conversations with family and friends. 

Ludovica Fadini

Ludovica Fadini, a foreign exchange student who has lived here for nearly 2 years while working as an au pair, said there are significant differences between elections in America and Italy. 

“We are not used to people revolting and we are not used to people arguing,” Fadini said. “We are not used to just two (presidential) choices.”

Fadini expressed her worries on immigration policy and has been paying attention to what is happening in this election. 

“It’s kinda hard for me because basically (President Donald Trump) already shows a really bad idea about immigrants,” Fadini said. “He already tried to delay my visa. A lot of people who tried to apply for my visa got denied in December.”

Social injustices in America have been a hot topic in this year’s presidential election for Fadini. 

“(These) types of injustice are everywhere in the world,” Fadini said. “ I feel like in the United States it is a little stronger just because you have a lot more diversity in the country.”

Ian Rebbert

Ian Rebbert is a veteran who is studying business administration and voted in the past two elections.

“I just did regular mail, but made sure to do it early enough and they have the ballot track websites,” Rebbert said. “I think it was after a week or so, I went online and made sure they received it and it was counted.”

Rebbert voted while in the Marine Corps and had to fill out an absentee ballot, which he said was similar to the ballot he filled out for this year’s election. 

This election has seen record breaking voter turnout in many states all over America. 

“I hope people do pay attention and we get more voter turnout because that’s exactly what we need people participating (in elections),” Rebbert said. “It is up to us.”

City Times wants to hear your voice. We are looking for our community — fellow students, faculty, staff and alumni — to share perspectives on the elections. You can send your thoughts in writing by email or share them on social media, including @sdcitytimes and #cityspeaks. You can also leave us a voice recording.