It was a seemingly ordinary Tuesday, but most students spent it fixated to a screen, waiting for results from a historic election. 

“Surprisingly, I checked results very often,” junior Mikhaela Cueto said. “Just knowing what was at risk made me check it. Twice before I went to sleep, three times when I woke up and multiple times during the day.” 

With the pandemic, results and ways of voting were significantly different from 2016’s election. The results took five days to come in, until Joe Bien was declared the winner on Saturday, Nov., 7, after winning Pennsylvania. By this time, Nevada, Alaska, North Carolina and Georgia were still counting votes. 

The 2020 election saw a record-breaking number of early voters. High voter turnout was influenced by advocacy groups working to mobilize voters at a grassroots level. 

Students were aware that the 2020 elections held great severity, affecting how the United States handles the pandemic, climate change and civil rights justice.

 “I was anxious,” junior Adela Flores said. “This election is not just about politics. I feel it’s more about human rights. It’s Important to us.” 

One could gather election updates through the news, social media or a quick google search. When staying updated with the election, students discovered relatable memes.

“I googled the election,” Cueto said. “Seeing the electoral college meter was effective; it helped to see who was winning and losing.” 

Nevada along with other key battleground states received a significant amount of attention. People across the country expressed their emotions through clever memes, mocking how “slow” Nevada was on counting votes, at times referencing Nevada’s 49th public school ranking. 

“Memes were the best part,” Flores said. “It took a long time to get results, and it was an anxious time but the memes on social media helped us get through it.” 

Recalling the past four years, viewership of the U.S. elections has changed for students and youth in general. Students have grown more aware of issues and have developed opinions and values. Being attentive during an election is of great importance to many, especially young people who cannot vote themselves. 

“I’m more aware of what’s happening,” Flores said. “I look into it, and now I’m able to inform people, like my parents. Once I get older, I’ll be able to vote; I’ll know about politics, and it will help me make the right decision.”

 Students also feel they count on elected officials to handle issues they value. 

“My beliefs are more developed,” Cueto said. “I want something done for climate change, LGBTQ community and the black community.”