On Nov. 7, the 46th President of the United States was declared. Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris won a hard-fought battle. Celebrations took place all over with parades and flags lining streets all throughout the country.

   “This is the time to heal America,” Biden said in his victory speech.

   President Donald Trump, the candidate for the Republicans, felt the election was tainted with voter fraud in many states and has decided to file lawsuits contesting those elections. 

   “Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, vowed to file a lawsuit Monday to challenge the conduct of elections officials in the state. Giuliani alleged that the Trump campaign was deprived of the ability to watch the ballots being processed” writes ABC News.

   With all of the events that happened this year, such as the Black Lives Matter Movement, COVID-19, and natural disasters, for many people, choosing a new President that cared about these topics and would help make a difference was important. 

   One of the things that stood out to many citizens, including the Mayor of Westerville, Kathy Cocuzzi, was the amount of voter turnout compared to other elections. 

   “I think it’s amazing how many people voted this time,” Cocuzzi said. 

  Some of the policies Biden proposed during his campaign include COVID-19 safety measures and a plan to lower the number of COVID-19 cases, criminal justice reform, and free tuition for colleges. Although these new policies will affect the nation as a whole, it will affect the cities of these states in different ways.

   Vice Mayor of Westerville, Valerie Cumming stated a few policies that she was excited for.                        

  “I’m excited that President Elect Biden is calling for more funding to go to law enforcement to support positive community policing initiatives, such as additional training, the inclusion of social workers on calls, etc. Police reform is huge to me, and I can see this really making a positive impact at the local level,” Cumming said. 

   COVID-19 has impacted many individuals as well as families. In one way, it has prevented some from receiving medical care because of their age. By lowering the age limit, more citizens could get the help they need.

   “Lowering the age of Medicare eligibility would also be an important change for our senior population, and of course Biden’s suggestion to make direct monthly payments to families with children during the pandemic would positively benefit countless families in Westerville, especially those who may be struggling financially right now,” explains Cumming.
  To some, college is an important time when it comes to a person’s career or future. Not all families are able to afford college, so enabling free tuition will help those attend college and be able to pursue their dream. 

   “His proposal to make college tuition-free for families making less than $125,000 would have an overwhelmingly positive impact on our (and all) communities. A college education should be possible for anyone who has the desire and ability, and if this policy takes effect, the ripple effect, especially in economically disadvantaged communities and for people of color, will be huge,” Cumming said.

   These types of policies go through many stages and tons of time before they are put in place. 

   “Policy changes at the local level occur through city council. Last year for example, we passed a non-discrimination ordiance. An ordinance [such as the non-discrimination ordiance] takes months to pass because it has to be legal as well as practical. It goes into effect 30 days after it’s passed,” Cocuzzi explained. 

The United States has been a very divided country over many different subjects in 2020.  Some feel the end of the election is a new beginning to heal. “We have to stop treating our opponents as our enemies. They are not our enemies. They’re Americans,” said Biden during his victory speech.