Elections Matter Blog - Alejandro Lander SPC2608 Group 1.

Alejandro Lander

 November 03, 2026

    After watching the different group presentations, I realized how much government, elections, and policies affect our everyday lives. Each group focused on a different topic, including immigration, voting rights, education, and the economy. Even though these topics seemed different at first, I noticed that they are all connected in some way. I enjoyed listening to the presentations because they helped me understand how decisions made by the government can affect students, families, and our communities. It also made me think more about my future and how important it is to stay informed about what is happening around us.

    The first presentation was about immigration policies in the United States. I found this topic interesting because Miami is a very diverse city, and many people here have connections to immigration. The group explained how immigration policies determine who can enter the country, stay here, work, and eventually become a citizen. They also talked about visas, permanent residency, and other immigration processes. Something that stood out to me was how these policies can affect college students and their families. Immigration laws can influence tuition, financial opportunities, employment, and access to certain resources. I also learned that there are organizations and websites, such as USCIS, where people can find information about immigration procedures. This presentation helped me understand that immigration is not just a political issue. It affects real people, families, and communities, especially in a place like Miami.

    The second presentation focused on voting rights and elections. Before watching it, I knew the basic idea of voting, but I did not know much about how the process developed throughout history. The group explained how voting rights expanded through different constitutional amendments, including the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments. I thought it was interesting to learn that voting was not always available to everyone and that many people fought for the right to participate in elections. They also discussed the Electoral College, voter registration, campaign financing, and how different countries organize their elections. One thing that surprised me was that some countries require citizens to vote, while in the United States it is optional. This presentation made me realize that voting is an important responsibility because it gives people a voice in decisions that can affect their lives. Even though politics might not always seem interesting to young people, elections can influence education, jobs, the economy, and many other things that matter to us.

    The third presentation was about education policies, and this one was probably the easiest for me to relate to because I am currently a college student. The group discussed financial aid, school funding, standardized testing, and different laws that have shaped the education system. One example that really caught my attention was the question of what students would do if they suddenly lost their financial aid. Honestly, that would be a difficult situation because college is already expensive, and many students have to balance school with work and other responsibilities. Losing financial aid could mean working more hours, taking out loans, or taking fewer classes. I also learned that education policies are influenced by elected officials and government decisions. This made me realize that elections can directly affect our college experience and the opportunities we have in the future. Education is not just about attending classes and getting good grades. It also depends on having access to resources and support that allow students to succeed.

    The fourth presentation that was or presentation, focused on the economy and how it affects our daily lives. I think this topic is something everyone can relate to because we all notice when prices go up. Groceries, gas, rent, transportation, and other expenses can become expensive very quickly. Our group explained how inflation, interest rates, unemployment, and international trade can affect the economy. I never really thought about how decisions made in other countries could influence the prices of products we buy here. They also discussed how Democrats and Republicans have different ideas about taxes, government spending, and regulations. Another interesting part was how rising costs affect families, students, and small businesses. As college students, we also have to think about our expenses and how to manage our money. This presentation helped me understand that the economy is not just something politicians discuss. It affects people's daily decisions and their ability to afford basic necessities.

    One thing I noticed throughout all the presentations was how connected these topics really are. For example, immigration policies can affect families and students, education policies can influence our future careers, and the economy can determine how affordable college is. Elections connect all these issues because the people we vote for have the power to make decisions about them. This made me realize that being informed is important even if we are not very interested in politics. These decisions can affect our future whether we pay attention to them or not.

    Overall, I think these presentations were helpful because they gave me a better understanding of issues that affect our lives every day. My biggest takeaway is that being a responsible citizen means more than just knowing what is happening in the country. It also means understanding how these issues affect our communities, families, and future opportunities. As a college student, I want to keep learning about these topics and become more aware of the decisions being made around me. I also believe it is important to listen to different perspectives and form my own opinions based on reliable information. After watching these presentations, I feel like I have a better understanding of why elections matter and why staying informed can make a difference in our future.