The presidential election is almost here, and there is concern over the bi-partisan system following their flocks instead of looking at individual candidates. As high school students turn 18, they should not use the weak argument of “My parents are voting for this one,” or “This is the party I’ve always sided with” to make a decision.

Based on percentage of votes for political parties in Texas, obvious bias exists against the Democratic party. Twelve of the 50 states in America are solid Republican votes, while 11 states are solidly Democratic. Really only 16 states have any competitive elections when it comes to the presidency.

Only 16 out of 50 states seem to think of the candidate more than the party, and that number is ridiculous in a so-called intelligent society. No wonder the Democrats don’t campaign heavily in Texas. To them, the state must look close-minded. When the poll is taken, it’s easy to predict the outcome of who wins by state. Shouldn’t the presidential election be about which individual is qualified as opposed to taking sides with a party?

People tend to stick with what they know, and most of the time, that means voting for the same party that their family/friends/area have for decades. If a family votes, say, Republican because that’s how their great, great, great grandfather voted, it’s cause for some kind of panic.

The problem with this is that unqualified candidates win, and out society suffers.

Basic research, at the very least, should influence your vote. It’s irresponsible for a blind vote to be cast that can affect everyone, both in North America, and countries that interact with the United States.

A snap judgment could put an inexperienced candidate in charge of our lives, our laws and our nuclear codes. America does not need to get into a battle of wills for the leader of the free world. Look at the candidates logically and without bias. Do the candidate care about all Americans, or just the rich? Does the candidate know how government and diplomacy work? Does the candidate have an arrest record? Does the candidate know where crucial places and who crucial people are? Will the candidate embarrass us all? Will the candidate antagonize other countries into aggressions against the United States? These are the questions we should be worrying about, not those about race or gender.

Today, it’s a simple thing to go online, type in a search, and find an article giving information about candidates. Learning about the presidential candidate before casting a vote is crucial if we want to remain the greatest country on Earth. Use your own judgment, your own logic to make an informed decision instead of a prejudiced one.

If our bi-partisan flock mentality continues, imagine the flock falling off of a cliff mindlessly following the party. Don’t go near the edge with them.