ST. LEO, Fla. — Students in the Political Science program at Saint Leo University have been diligently preparing their predictions for the presidential election as part of their campaigns and elections class, which has been active since the semester commenced in August.
What You Need To Know: Political Science students are making well-informed predictions for the presidential election in a class that occurs only during election years.
The aim of this unique class is to equip students with the knowledge required to make educated predictions about the electoral process. Each participant is assigned a specific state to analyze, covering a total of 21 states this year.
Instructor Frank Orlando emphasizes that this course offers insights beyond typical college curricula, imparting critical knowledge relevant to various career paths, focusing on elections, polls, and the intricacies of politics.
On Tuesday, students will have the opportunity to evaluate the accuracy of their predictions as the nation votes to decide between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency.
Orlando, who teaches the course, explained that students devote the entire semester to analyzing and predicting the outcome of the presidential race. Each student becomes an expert on their assigned state, sharing key insights during class discussions, including crucial data regarding Florida.
Sophomore Hunter Compton, who is focusing on Florida, has considered numerous factors while formulating his prediction. “I’ve been looking at demographics, historical voting trends, and various polling resources,” Compton stated. Ultimately, he believes Trump will secure Florida but acknowledges the possibility of being mistaken. He pointed out the significant presence of non-party affiliates in the state, which could influence the outcome in unexpected ways.
Regardless of the election results, Frank Orlando maintains that the skills students acquired throughout the semester will have lasting relevance in their lives. He noted, “Everyone engages in politics at some level and has a civic duty to participate in the process, making this knowledge crucial for everyone.”
On Election Day, students will gather at the university to witness the results as they come in, marking the culmination of their hard work and predictions.
In summary, students at Saint Leo University not only engage in a practical learning experience regarding the electoral process but also gain valuable skills that contribute to their overall understanding of civic responsibilities. This kind of education fosters informed citizens who are prepared to actively participate in future political discussions and decisions.