ACE

Author: Marketing Team

  • Michael Azimi, Brandeis University

  • JD Vance

    Republican

    JD Vance– Vice Presidential Candidate

    Party

    Republican

    Home State

    Ohio

    Experience

    Vance enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from Middletown High School in 2003. He deployed to Iraq and fought in the Iraq War. Attended The Ohio State University and Yale Law School after his service. Post-law school, Vance worked for the law firm Sidley Austin LLP and various investment firms nationwide. Vance gained fame in 2016 with the publication of “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis,” which detailed his upbringing and painted a bleak picture of rural life, describing poverty as a “family tradition” for many. The book quickly became a bestseller, making Vance a sought-after political commentator. In 2016, Vance moved back to Ohio to start a nonprofit aimed at helping disadvantaged children and addressing issues such as drug addiction and the opioid epidemic. Although the organization eventually folded, he later started an investment firm in Cincinnati. In 2021, when Rob Portman announced he would not seek reelection, Vance entered the race to fill his Senate seat. With an endorsement from Donald Trump, Vance was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. In the Senate, Vance serves on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee; the Joint Economic Committee; and the Special Committee on Aging.

    Top 3 Issues

    Immigration

    In one of his first Senate campaign advertisements, Vance released a video blaming Joe Biden for the border crisis and its effects on Ohio communities. He said, “Joe Biden’s open border is killing Ohioans. With more illegal drugs and more Democrat voters pouring into this country.” Vance supports finishing the border wall, opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants, and advocates for a merit-based system for legal immigration. He has also expressed concerns about immigrants being a source of cheap labor, suggesting, “If you cannot hire illegal migrants to staff your hotels, then you have to go to one of the seven million prime-age American men who are out of the labor force and find some way to re-engage them.”

    Economy

    In his “Face the Nation” interview, Vance called for broad-based tariffs on imports, particularly from China, to protect American industries from unfair competition, which he attributes to slave labor rather than superior workers. He said, “…we need to apply some broad-based tariffs, especially on goods coming in from China and not just solar panels and EV stuff. We need to protect American industries from all of the competition. Because here- here’s the thing, Margaret, the reason China beats us, it’s not because they have better workers, it’s because they’re willing to use slaves–”

    Ukraine/Middle East

    Vance has long opposed funding for the war in Ukraine. In an op-ed for the New York Times, he argued, “Ukraine needs more soldiers than it can field, even with draconian conscription policies. And it needs more matériel than the United States can provide. This reality must inform any future Ukraine policy, from further congressional aid to the diplomatic course set by the president.” He accused President Biden of failing “to articulate even basic facts about what Ukraine needs and how this aid will change the reality on the ground.” Vance has staunchly supported Israel throughout its war in Gaza, defending their wartime policies. He led the effort to consider and vote on aid to Ukraine and Israel in separate packages. In a memo circulated among Republicans, he stated, “Israel has a clear plan, and we have a clear means of helping them to fulfill that plan — by providing very specific munitions to enable Israel to conduct a limited operation with a view to neutralizing the threat Hamas poses to Israel. We have no such plan for the Russia-Ukraine War.”

  • Jill Stein

    Jill Stein

    Party

    Green Party

    Home State

    Massachusetts

    Experience

    Doctor, Co-Founder of Massachusetts Coalition for Healthy Communities, Environmental activist

    Donors

    Stein’s campaign is mostly funded through small individual contributions, with the top contributor being FEC Penalty.

    Stein

    Top 3 Issues

    A Just Economy

    Stein believes we need an Economic Bill of Rights in order to reverse economic inequality and insecurity. This would guarantee essentials like a living-wage job, housing, food, healthcare, and education to all citizens. Additionally, she advocates for an inclusive economy that serves everyone, not just the wealthy and powerful.

    Climate Change

    Stein promises to address climate change and advocates for immediate action to stop global warming. She supports a Green New Deal, which is aimed to transition America from crisis to a secure and sustainable future. Stein’s program would feature massive investment in green jobs, industries, and technologies to revitalize the American economy, improve our quality of life, protect our planet and safeguard our children’s future.

    Freedom and Equality

    Stein intends to put an end to systemic discrimination against marginalized groups, including women, POC, Indigenous people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. She is in favor of abortion rights, marriage equality, and supports a wider pathway to citizenship for immigrants.

  • Donald Trump

    Republican

    Donald Trump

    Party

    Republican

    Home State

    New York/Florida

    Experience

    45th President of the United States. Prior to taking office Donald Trump was known for his business dealings and reality TV appearances.

    Donors

    The Trump campaign is primarily financed through large campaign contributions from corporations, most notably the finance, real estate, and insurance industry.

     

    Donald Trump

    Top 3 Issues

    Economy

    Donald Trump touts an “unprecedented economic boom” while he was in office and promises to continue the economic policy of his presidency “lower taxes, bigger paychecks, and more jobs for the American worker.” Some of the achievements that he cites include 7 million jobs created, an increase in middle-class family income, the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years, and increased optimism among small business owners.

      Renegotiate trade agreements

    Donald Trump promises a plan to bring manufacturing back to the United States to end the reliance on China for national security and medical goods. Donald Trump also proposes banning the owning of critical United States infrastructure by the Chinese. Donald Trump would like to increase tariffs on imports from many foreign nations while decreasing imports from China all together in hopes of increasing American jobs.

     Energy Independence

    Donald Trump envisions a United States that is energy independent. Through increased oil, natural gas and clean coal productions consumers and businesses would pay lower energy costs. Trump would provide tax breaks for the producers of oil, natural gas, and clean coal to incentivize the increased production.

  • Kamala Harris

    Kamala Harris

    Party

    Democrat

    Home State

    California

    Experience

    US Senator for California, 32nd District Attorney of California, and Current 49th Vice President.

    Donors

    Harris’s campaign is mostly funded through large contributions, with the top contributors being Future Forward USA Action, a left-leaning organization whose mission is to rebuild America’s middle class and American democracy, and the Lincoln Project, which is a political action committee founded by moderate or former Republicans who oppose Donald Trump.

    Top 3 Issues

    Reproductive Rights

    Harris supports legislation to protect access to abortion nationally. She opposes a national abortion ban and has taken steps to urge Congress to restore the reproductive protections originally granted in Roe v. Wade. During her time as Senator before the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, she cosponsored legislation that would limit a state’s ability to limit or burden abortion access. Under the Biden campaign, she has fought for reproductive freedom by protecting FDA-approved medication abortion, supporting those who must travel to seek reproductive health care, and protecting the privacy of patients and healthcare providers

    Economy

    Harris has largely backed Biden’s infrastructure plan such as his $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, aimed at revitalizing the economy post-pandemic, alongside investments in significant infrastructure upgrades and climate actions, and his Inflation Reduction Act, which provides funding for small businesses and caped the cost of insulin. For her own agenda, she supports the Economic Opportunity Coalition, which aims to partner the public and private sectors together, resulting in the investment of billions of dollars to create opportunity and grow the wealth of underserved communities. The goal of these investments is to expand access to health care and cut insulin prices, boost educational investments, make housing more affordable, and increase the wealth of American families.

    Immigration

    As vice president, Harris has prioritized dealing with the root causes of immigration, specifically from Latin American countries. Last year, she announced that $950 million in pledges from private companies would support Latin American countries to mitigate poverty and violence by supporting farmers and creating textile jobs. As senator, she co-sponsored the Dreamer Confidentiality Act, which prevented the Department of Homeland Security from disclosing information about DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or more commonly called Dreamers) recipients to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In 2020, she also co-sponsored the Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act, which would “address immigration issues related to COVID-19” by establishing programs that would translate materials and provide telephone hotlines in the specified needed language.

  • Nicole Shanahan

    Nicole Shanahan– Vice Presidential Candidate

    Party

    Independent

    Home State

    California

    Experience

    No prior political experience. An attorney and entrepreneur, she is the founder and president of Bia-Echo Foundation, which focuses on reproductive longevity and equality, criminal justice reform, and environmental sustainability. She is also the co-founder of ClearAccessIP, an AI patent analytics company.

    Donors

    Nicole Shanahan has been a significant donor to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. campaign. In 2023, she donated $6,600 to Mr. Kennedy, the maximum allowed for an individual contributor, when he was running as a Democrat for the presidential nomination. Additionally, she donated $4 million to a pro-Kennedy super PAC and has stated that she contributed another $8 million to the campaign.

     

    Top 3 Issues

    Health

    Nicole supports abortion rights with certain limits, as she stated here: “As a mom, and a person with a womb, I don’t like the feeling of anyone having control over my body. It is coercive. It is wrong. But, I am also a woman that would not feel right terminating a viable life living inside of me, especially if I am both healthy and that baby is healthy.” She believes an appropriate limit would be within “15-18 weeks.” Nicole supports state rights in determining abortion laws, stating, “communities know the answer to this question.” Nicole criticizes IVF and advocates for alternative and natural approaches to reproductive longevity. In support of this, her company, Bia-Echo, launched the world’s first Reproductive Longevity and Equality initiative at the Buck Institute.

    Environment

    Nicole is dedicated to promoting a “healthy and livable” planet. Through Bia-Echo, she advocates for innovative solutions to address environmental challenges and ensure the planet’s sustainability for future generations.

    People

    Nicole also advocates for criminal justice reform to create a more equitable society. Through the Smart Prosecution Project, she seeks to apply data science to the prosecutorial process and has been actively involved in research on artificial intelligence and its impact on government and law. Nicole was a major donor to Measure J, which is an initiative which dedicates “unrestricted funding to address the disproportionate impact of racial injustice through community investments such as youth development, job training, small business development, supportive housing services and alternatives to incarceration.”

  • Pros and Cons of the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act

    Pros and Cons of the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act

    Introduction

    Genetic counseling is a service where a patient’s personal and family medical history are reviewed to assess the risk for genetic disorders and other diseases. The service is typically provided by genetic counselors but can also be done by other medical professionals like a patient’s physician. Currently, Medicare does not reimburse genetic counselors, which limits their ability to get paid for their services.

    The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act is a proposed bill in Congress that would enable Medicare to reimburse genetic counselors for 85% of the amount it currently reimburses a patient’s physician.

    Arguments in Favor

    The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act aims to enhance access to genetic counseling services for millions of Americans on Medicare by recognizing genetic counselors as independent Medicare providers, allowing them to bill directly. This change would alleviate the burden on physicians, freeing up more time for them to see other patients and streamlining the process for patients, who would no longer need to coordinate visits with multiple providers. This could lead to shorter wait times and improved access to care. According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), better access to genetic counseling can lead to earlier detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer, ultimately improving health outcomes.

    Proponents of the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act argue that it could save Medicare over $4 billion in the next decade. The potential savings are attributed to several factors: genetic counselors are poised to recommend the most appropriate tests for patients, thereby reducing unnecessary testing and expenses. Another significant source of savings is the reduction in wasteful spending. For example, one study highlighted by advocates reviewed a series of genetic tests and found that 22% were inappropriate, suggesting that genetic counselors can play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare spending.

    Arguments Against

    Opponents of the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act express concerns primarily based on the scope of practice and potential for fraud. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) argues that independently ordering tests is considered a practice of medicine, a role for which genetic counselors are not fully qualified. Currently, genetic counselors work under physician supervision, a setup ACMG supports because it believes that collaborative care yields the best medical outcomes. ACMG suggests amending the bill to allow genetic counselors to still be reimbursed by Medicare but under the requirement that they work collaboratively with physicians, not independently.
    Another significant concern is the risk of fraud within the rapidly expanding genetic testing industry. In 2019, federal agencies uncovered $2.1 billion in genetic testing fraud involving doctors bribed to order unnecessary and expensive tests reimbursed by Medicare. By expanding the number of professionals authorized to order reimbursable tests, the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act could potentially increase the risk of similar fraud schemes, exacerbating challenges in an already vulnerable area.

  • Appreciation for ACE Interns and Fellows

    Over 400 ACE Fellows and Interns from more than 140 Universities from over 40 states across the United States have furthered their career with real-life work experience and an opportunity to publish their work. Learn more about how ACE helped launch careers!

    In the Spring Semester 2024 ACE hired 10 Digital Marketing Interns and over 15 Ace Fellows from Massachusetts to California, representing over 20 colleges across the United States. This Summer, ACE is poised to increase hiring to over 40 students who will have the unique opportunity to publish their work, create social media campaigns, create reels, blog, and tweet. The Analytics team will assemble Marketing Analytics reports that will directly influence ACE’s social media strategy every day. They will research and implement strategies to improve ACE’s SEO rankings. Email Marketing? Yes, that too. For example, using Hubspot’s CRM tool, students will learn real-time how to conduct A-B tests to optimize delivery of our bi-weekly newsletter.

    ACE is a student-run organization, with a mission to provide youth voters with unbiased, non-partisan resources that they can trust. Why? Because all of ACE’s content is written, vetted and published by students. ACE’s team of Graduate students along with the help of a few professors, work every day to make sure that what we publish is unbiased, truthful, nonpartisan…and short. In 2-5 minutes, you can read an ACE Brief and get all of the information that you need to begin to understand an issue. This is a 15,000ft view of key issues that matter looked at equally from several different perspectives. We cover US Domestic Policy issues and Foreign Policy issues. We cover Health Care Policy, Education Policy, Environmental Policy and so much more. In fact, we publish Briefs in over 12 separate research areas for US Policy and another 9 separate research areas for Us Foreign Policy.

    ACE’s Social Media Team is run by a current Senior who started at ACE over one year ago. In addition, she started the Election 2024 Initiative, and now ACE covers Election 2024-specific information to help youth voters understand the candidates, the issues and where each stand. What have other ACE Interns or Fellows gone on to do? Jack Corso who now works for the Eurasia Foundation wrote:

    “I am certain that I would not be where I am without you and all the great people at ACE. I am very grateful that you took a chance on me about a year ago. ACE’s growth over the last year has been incredible, and I am very excited to see what is still in store. I believe that the opportunity ACE presents to many young students is very rewarding and offers them an excellent opportunity to grow their network, skills, and expertise. I have certainly enjoyed researching and writing about many intriguing topics related to Eurasia. I think the camaraderie developed between colleagues at ACE cannot be understated…I hope that ACE experiences continued success and continues to offer unbelievable opportunities to young students trying to grow both professionally and personally.

    Ella Dennis, an ACE Fellow who is a recipient of the Boren Scholarship in Senegal wrote: As this school year comes to a close, I want to reflect on the amazing nine months I have spent interning at the Alliance for Citizen Engagement (ACE). Over this internship, I was able to expand my knowledge of human rights policy and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on West Africa and Senegal in particular. I am honored to say that all of my briefs, including “Building from the Bottom-Up: Grassroots Development in Sub-Saharan Africa” and “Gender Equality in West Africa: Legislation Versus Lived Experience” were selected for publication on the ACE website. Moreover, after months of drafting, editing, and designing, I am elated to say that I successfully coordinated and published a joint report with incredible researchers at International Relations Today.

    Ella Dennis

    Ella DennisBoren Scholarship Recipient – Senegal

    ACE has recently partnered with ActiVote. ActiVote is working to change the way we engage with our government. They provide an easy to use nonpartisan app that allows voters to become more engaged with the civic process by using several of ACE’s Briefs to educate voters on important issues. When you sign-up, you will see when and where you can cast your vote for local and national elections. The App connects you with your elected officials, and allows you to make you voice heard by quickly answering key polling questions.  Check out ACE ActiVote App and learn more about local and national elections near you and the issues that matter!

    So far, ACE has reached over 300,000 youth voters and impacted the careers of more than 400 Students across the United States in just three short years. As we continue to grow, so will ACE’s impact on educating student voters and on providing career advancement opportunities for students in over 130 different universities across the country.

    Ellen Rizika, ACE Director of Marketing

  • Voting Process: From Ballot to Inauguration

    Voting Process: From Ballot to Inauguration

    So, you figured out registering to vote, now HOW do you vote? With voting laws mainly being determined by state and local governments, understanding the voting process can be complicated. There are three main ways in which you may be asked to cast your vote: hand marked paper ballots, ballot marking devices, and direct recording electronic Systems. The most widely used method are hand marked paper ballots. The least common is the direct recording electronic system. 

    Hand marked ballots are paper ballots which the voter manually marks their selection. Even though a jurisdiction may primarily use hand marked ballots, ballot making devices or direct recording systems are required to be provided as an alternative for voters with disabilities. Ballot marking devices utilize an electronic medium to record votes onto a paper ballot. No record is kept on the electronic devices. Like the ballot marking devices, direct recording electronic systems use an electronic voting system, however they do keep an electronic record of votes cast. In some jurisdictions a paper ballot is created so that the voter can confirm their selections and the paper ballot be kept as a record in case there is an audit or recount. Once cast votes can be counted by hand, by optical scanner, or through the direct recording electronic systems. 

    The electoral college is a constitutional provision which served as a “compromise between a popular vote by citizens and a vote in Congress”. Each state has electors which is equal to the number of representatives they have in Congress and Washington  D.C receives three electoral votes for a total of 538 electors. In Maine and Nebraska electoral votes are proportionally allocated, whereas every other state chooses a winner takes all method based on the states popular vote. The candidate who receives 270 votes in the electoral college wins the race. 

    Election recounts occur either automatically when the margin of victory is narrow, or in response to a request from someone (typically the party or the candidate). Washington D.C. and in 41 states requests for recounts are permitted. When the victory margin is narrow a recount is automatically triggered in Washington D.C. and 23 states. In the states that do not offer a process to request a recount, or in which one is automatically triggered, the only remedy for the defeated candidate is to challenge the election results in the court, and the court may then order a recount.

    Your vote is a way to express your voice, sustain democracy, hold political actors accountable, spark societal shifts and drive policy change! Visit usa.gov to learn how you can vote in your jurisdiction! 

    Caption Ideas: 

    Voters under 30 have the lowest turnout rate in midterm and presidential elections, it’s time to change that narrative! Take action, be the difference, and vote in every election.

    In the 2020 presidential election only 66% of eligible voters cast their ballots! Every vote counts, make sure yours is heard in the next and all elections!

  • Local Government Roles 

    Local Government Roles 

    Overview:

    Local governments get their authority to rule only as it is granted by the state. They are the closest form of government to the people, therefore they have a deep understanding of their community’s unique challenges and priorities. They have the authority to enact laws, regulations, and policies tailored to the specific needs of their citizens, allowing them to respond quickly and effectively to address local concerns. Lastly, local governments generally take responsibility for parks and recreation services, police and fire departments, housing services, emergency medical services, municipal courts, transportation services (including public transportation), and public works (streets, sewers, snow removal, signage, ect.)

    Top Roles: 

    The mayor serves as the chief executive officer of the city and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and management of the government. Constituents may elect a mayor to their position directly, through a process that commonly includes primary elections and a general election. The mayor’s key duties include enforcing local laws and ordinances, presiding over city council meetings, representing the community at official functions, preparing and proposing the municipal budget, and exercising additional powers in emergency situations. While the specific responsibilities of the mayor are defined by state law, the city council can also prescribe additional duties, making the mayor a critical link between the legislative and executive branches of local government.

    The city council serves as the legislative body of local government and is responsible for  creating laws, policies, and budgetary decisions for the municipality. Council members are elected officials who represent the interests of their constituents, through either district-based or at-large voting systems. The council’s key duties include approving the municipal budget, overseeing city departments, establishing zoning and land use regulations, and providing general oversight of the local government’s operations. They work collaboratively to make decisions that address the needs and priorities of the community, serving as a crucial link between the people and their local government.

    County commissioners are responsible for overseeing county affairs such as public services, infrastructure, and budget allocation. They are a part of the legislative body of local government and are elected by constituents within specific districts. Their duties include budget allocation, public services, policy making, and resource management. Commissioners overall work together to address community needs, enact policies, allocate resources, and advocate for residents interests at the county level. 

    The sheriff, as the principal law enforcement officer at the county level, ensures public safety, enforces laws, and supervises the sheriff’s department. They are elected in primary and general elections, and are responsible for upholding the law, investigating crimes, and supporting local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, they oversee civil process serving, manage county jails, and represent the county in legal affairs, contributing to the overall safety and security of the community.

    School board members are elected members that  govern the local school district. They have the power to make decisions on school policy, budgets, programming, resource allocation, curriculum, and faculty tenure and can have a dramatic impact on issues of equity and quality of the education provided in your schools.They represent the interests of students, parents, and educators, making decisions that impact curriculum, facilities, and resources to promote academic success and student well-being.

    The city manager serves as an executive role for the city and is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, implementing policies set by the city council, and managing city departments. City managers are typically appointed by the city council based on their qualifications and experience and they carry out the directives of the council.. They work to ensure efficient delivery of public services, coordinate budget planning and implementation, and serve as a bridge between elected officials, city staff, and the community, prioritizing effective governance and the well-being of residents.

    Planning and Zoning Commissions, whether appointed or elected, are tasked with recommending zoning district boundaries and regulations to the town or city council. Their decisions shape the development of residential, commercial, industrial, and public spaces, impacting property values, tax revenue, job opportunities, traffic patterns, and quality of life. Therefore the commission’s role is vital in guiding community growth and development according to residents interests and local government.

    Municipal court judges oversee a range of local legal matters, including enforcing city ordinances, adjudicating misdemeanors, and handling small claims. Their rulings can significantly impact residents’ daily lives as they rule on traffic violations, minor criminal offenses, and code enforcement violations. Municipal city court judges can be either appointed or elected and they administer justice impartially, ensuring fair trials and upholding the rule of law to promote public safety and community well-being.