Decisions, decisions...: Sullivan outlines effective strategies for selecting a presidential candidates

The republican primary features a plethora of options, including (from left to right) New Jersey governor Chris Christie, Florida senator Marco Rubio, neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum, businessman Donald Trump, Florida governor Jeb Bush, Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, Texas senator Ted Cruz, Kentucky senator Rand Paul, and Ohio governor John Kasich.

Photo courtesy of forbes.com

By: Abigail Sullivan

In a primary election fraught with informational inconsistencies and occurring during a number of significant national and international events, it can be hard to maintain a level-headed view of the candidates.

In particular for high school students, who cannot vote until they turn 18, aligning themselves with any particular candidate may seem fruitless and time-consuming. But paying attention to and dedicating time to the process of picking a candidate is particularly important for high schoolers because they will be the next generation of United States’ voters.

The best way to be an informed member of the nation’s electorate is to practice now!

As such, and with the election year quickly approaching, here are a few questions to keep in mind as you identify how closely your opinions match those of the candidates:

1. What do you think about free public college tuition? Is the benefit to students worth the taxes that will be imposed? Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a candidate opposed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the democratic ticket, strongly believes in free college tuition.

2. Should minimum wage go up, and how much? Many republicans don't think an increased minimum wage is safe, while many democrats agree with raising minimum wage, but at various amounts.

3. Should we secure our southern border? Businessman Donald Trump, who is running against a plethora of others in the republican primary, believes we should build a wall, while businessperson Carly Fiorina, a lesser known candidate, believes that building a wall is costly and not as efficient as technology.

4. Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce national debt? 

5. Should the US formally declare war on ISIS?

As you ponder these questions and more, check out isidewith.com, which, after a short quiz, will match you with candidates who potentially align closely with your choices.