In the upcoming presidential election, voters across the country will have the opportunity to make their voices heard by casting their votes for Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden or incumbent Republican Donald J. Trump on Nov. 3. 

Trump and Biden had their first presidential debate on Sept. 29 at Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve University to discuss issues like COVID and healthcare. The night began as a calm discussion but quickly spiraled into a heated argument between the two candidates filled with accusations and falsehoods. On the issue of COVID, Trump claimed, “You didn’t do very well on the swine flu. H1N1. You were a disaster.” However, according to AP Fact Check, “More than 200,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. The CDC puts the U.S. death toll from the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic at about 12,500.” When the issue of the Supreme Court justice opening came up, Biden claimed, “[Nominee Amy Coney Barrett] thinks that the Affordable Care Act is not constitutional.” Barrett has shown criticism toward the act; however, she has never said the act is unconstitutional. 

Before he became president, Trump graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance. He is also the former president of his family’s real estate company, the Trump Organization. Prior to winning the presidency in 2016, Trump had no political experience. Endorsements for Trump include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

Biden was the 47th vice president of the United States and a Delaware senator from 1973 until 2009. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware and Syracuse University’s College of Law. His prior governmental experience includes his vice presidency during the Obama administration, his time as a Delaware senator and his term on the New Castle City Council from 1970 until 1973. Former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter endorse Biden. 

The candidates have differing views on the key issues. For example, Trump has focused his energy on supporting private schools while Biden is advocating for public school funding. On the issue of immigration, Trump signed the “Zero Tolerance” policy, which tightens immigration laws; Biden will welcome immigrants, but a border screening process will be used. 

As Election Day approaches, voters face an important decision: who should lead our nation during this challenging time?