In a year or so, we will be entering election season! Though it may not be important for some, those who are turning 18 between now and November 8th, election day, should start to care. Turning 18 means you can have a say in your country’s decisions, and you should exercise that right! If you’re not sure who you want to vote for, try taking a couple minutes to actually look at a candidate’s goals and statements. It’s only a year away people, become informed now.

To save you some time, here’s a list of some of the forerunners for each political party. As it stands right now, controversial Hillary Clinton is currently the Democratic forerunner. She holds this position, though she is under almost seemingly constant fire from hypocritical statements to her e-mail scandal. If she is elected president, it will surely make history, and whether her presidency would be good or bad, that is for you to decide. Following behind her is Bernie Sanders. Unlike the Republican front runners, he has held political office as a Senator from Vermont.  Previously running under Independent, he has now decided to run for the Democratic party. Even though he has decided to run as a Democrat, he still holds his old ideals, such as being a Socialist, which is one who believes in common ownership. The last potential candidate, though unconfirmed, is Joe Biden. Joe Biden has gained much popularity and favor in polls, even though he has not officially stated if he is running in the election! Biden has decided to skip the coming Democratic Debates, and it is still shrouded in mystery whether or not he will run for president. Predictions point to him waiting to enter the run until later. Though only two as of right now are legitimate contenders, these are the current Democratic front runners.

Now, for the Republican front runners. The foremost candidate with the highest ratings in the polls is none other than Donald Trump. There is quite a bit of controversy surrounding Mr. Trump, but regardless of what you say, he has this much support for one reason. This reason is that he is not afraid to speak his mind. This is a necessary characteristic for a successful president.  Even though he has that going for him, it is unlikely he will be elected due to his lack of political involvement. The second front runner is Ben Carson, an African American retired neurosurgeon. Like most of the other Republican front runners, he has not held political office and holds very conservative ideas. The third republican front runner is Carly Fiorina, another female candidate and former CEO of Hewlett-Packard. She has never held political office before, but has run for U.S. Senate, though she lost. The fourth republican candidate is Marco Rubio, a United States Senator from Florida. He holds very strong conservative beliefs, and is considered the most anti-gay candidate. Lastly, there is Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida, and son of George Bush, Sr. and brother to George Bush, Jr. He is the second Republican front runner to have held political office prior to the election, and like most others, is a strong conservative. As of now these are the current front runners for the Republican Party.

West Milford Seniors, you still have a year to decide whether or not you want to vote, or for whom you want to vote! The run is only in its beginning stages, and you will have plenty of time to monitor the candidates, and speak your grievances about Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. But until then, stay classy West Milford.