On Nov. 7, 2024, Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump won the 2024 United States presidential election with 301 electoral votes. Students at Camas High School (CHS) have a lot of differing opinions about the outcomes of this election.
Many students are concerned about the possible division the results of the presidential election could cause.
“I wish that everybody was just able to get along and accept people’s opinions and that the parties would work together instead of fighting to see who’s better,” CHS senior Phallon Bestine said. Some feel the election only increased existing division, even in the halls of CHS.
“I feel frustrated that there is so much division among my peers, and the election has not helped solve any of it. We struggle to support our president, we struggle to support ourselves,” CHS junior Kinder Kesmodel said.
Some Harris supporters are concerned for the future of the country.
“I am incredibly disappointed with the outcome of this election,” CHS junior Mia Stefanovic said. “The voters of this country have failed its women and immigrants, and I find myself immensely terrified when looking at the next four years.”
This level of care about the election results is common among students at CHS. While some students were very disappointed about the election results, others rejoiced.
“I was happy with the results of the election. [Trump] went for the younger population and that was the biggest factor on why he won,” CHS senior Parker Castellani said.
The fact that Trump has been convicted of 34 felonies concerns some students.
“I dislike Trump and his fans. They are very pushy about their beliefs, and I think a convicted felon should not be able to run,” CHS senior Zoe Webster said.
While the results are in for the presidential election, votes are still being counted for the House of Representatives and even for the president in some states such as Arizona. Local to Washington state, incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (D) is projected to be the next House representative. Bob Ferguson (D) will be the next Governor of Washington, and Senate representatives are Patty Murray (D) and the newly re-elected Maria Cantwell (D).
Despite post-election frustration, students on both sides agree it is important to not let election results further divide the CHS community.
“I think honestly the most important thing for everyone to do right now is to try to be a better person, no matter where they stand politically. Being a good person doesn’t start and end with voting,” CHS junior Genova Michaelson said.
