One notable issue the United States faces every election year is election turnout rates. In 2020, only 66% of those eligible to vote in the elections casted their vote (Voter turnout, 2018-2022). Many experts speculate that one reason behind this issue is undecided voters and the plethora of misinformation surrounding candidates. Most Americans are unfamiliar with all of the possible candidates and only focus on the two main parties (Democrats and Republicans). As political polarization grows, more Americans find themselves tired with the two-party system and wish to branch outwards and learn about other parties that may better fit their beliefs, proving the significance of learning about all possible parties and candidates in order to gain a better understanding of American politics and grow your own political opinion. Thus, here is an overview of the candidates up for the 2024 presidential election:
- Kamala Harris
Current Vice President Harris, a former prosecutor and senator of California, is the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election. At age 60, Harris displays a wide range of skills from her past jobs and focuses her campaign on illegal immigration, economic security, child tax credit, reproductive rights, and more. In addition, her campaign also focuses largely on younger voters through the means of various social media platforms. Harris chose Tim Walz as her Vice Presidential nominee who is the current governor of Minnesota. (Kamala Harris for President)
- Donald J. Trump
Former President Trump, the Republican party nominee, is running to retake office after his loss in the 2020 election to current President Joe Biden. At age 78, Trump has an advantage over the other candidates–since he held office already–however, he remains at equal advantage with Harris since neither of them are the incumbent. Trump’s campaign focuses on mass deportation, tariffs on foreign goods, “Agenda 47,” reversing environmental and regulatory policies, and more. Trump chose JD Vance as his Vice Presidential nominee who is an author, politician, and Marine Veteran. (Donald J. Trump)
- Jill Stein
Jill Stein, a physician and former Green Party candidate, is running for the third time for president under the Green Party. At age 74, she brings years of experience as an activist, positioning her campaign as a progressive alternative focused on the needs of everyday people and environmental reform. Stein, known for her advocacy on environmental and social justice issues, has prioritized tackling climate change, Medicare for all, and ending corporate influence in politics. Her choice for Vice President is Ajamu Baraka, a human rights activist. (Stein Ware 2024)
- Chase Oliver
Chase Oliver is the Libertarian candidate for the 2024 election. A businessman and activist, Oliver previously ran in the 2022 Georgia Senate race and is known for his strong stance on individual freedoms, fiscal responsibility, and non-interventionist foreign policy. As a younger candidate at 39, Oliver is working to connect with voters across the spectrum who feel alienated by the two-party system. His campaign focuses on federal spending, protecting civil liberties, and reducing government overreach. His choice for Vice President is Mike Ter Maat, a retired police officer, former economist, businessman and politician. (Chase Oliver for President)
- Cornel West
Renowned academic and social critic Cornel West, age 71, is running as an independent candidate for the 2024 election. Known for his passionate critiques of capitalism and systemic injustice, West focuses his campaign on wealth inequality, healthcare reform, police reform, and education. A former professor at institutions like Princeton and Harvard, West aims to bring a moral voice to American politics and offers a unique perspective on racial and economic justice. His Vice President nominee is Peter Daou, a former political consultant and activist. (Dr. Cornel West for President)
- Claudia De la Cruz
Claudia De la Cruz, representing the Party for Socialism and Liberation, is running on a platform that addresses deep-rooted issues of economic and social justice. As a community organizer and activist at age 44, De la Cruz has spent her career advocating for workers rights, anti-imperialism, and immigrant rights. Her campaign calls for a socialist overhaul of the economic system, focusing on the needs of marginalized communities and promoting policies for affordable housing, healthcare, and education. Her choice for Vice President is Karina Garcia, a fellow activist and educator. (Claudia & Karina 2024)