First-Time Voters Anxious about Inauguration

Nicole Aponte, SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Following the unrest on Capitol Hill on January 6th, the United States took extreme security measures to keep President Joe Biden safe as he swears into office.

“I know that there’s a lot going on in Washington, but I’m just hoping for the best.” Elizabeth VanBuren, a first-time voter in the 2020 Election is hopeful for the inauguration of SU Law School Alumnus, Joe Biden, to have a smooth transition of power. Remaining optimistic is key in such an unprecedented time in our country.

Mary Shalaby, a first-time voter, expresses concern about the reaction of the country even after Joe Biden is officially sworn in. “As long as he [Joe Biden] is not hurt, he’s going to be president. There is nothing that is going to stand in the way of that. I think there is going to be a lot of pushback… I am worried about the reaction people are going to have, even though it’s been set in stone when he actually becomes President, I’m worried about what people are going to do.”

The last time that the President of the United States did not attend their successor’s inauguration was in 1869 with Andrew Johnson. Donald Trump made the same decision on January 8th following the riots on Capitol grounds. It has been 152 years since our country since the former President has not welcomed the incoming President.

The news shocked Aiden Shephard, SU first-year student and voter, who held out a sliver of hope that President Trump would carry out the tradition in our country that is symbolic in the transfer of power. All of these SU students urge others to detach from the news and take time for themselves.

Democracy has prevailed, and Joe Biden has been sworn into the office of the United States, safely.