The future of our country is dependent on what millions of Americans will decide today: our next president. Our nation currently faces a myriad of social and economic problems. There are a few changes we at WSN would like to see by the time we get our next opportunity to choose a commander-in-chief.

To most voters, economic issues are most important. First, the Bush tax cuts, which are expiring in January, should not be extended for the wealthy. The issues of unemployment and growth must also be addressed. Spending should be curbed to create a balanced budget and lower the deficit. This should be combined with tax increases for the wealthy and cuts for the middle class. Once these steps are taken, we can again increase regulation to ensure the long-term health of our economy.

In four years’ time, we hope to see women’s rights to abortion and birth control uncontested by the government. It is time for America to trust its female citizens to make intelligent choices regarding such personal decisions. Similarly, we look forward to tolerance regarding gay marriage, another private decision made between two people whose relationship validity should not be questioned by politicians.

We hope to see the government do more about crushing student debt and rising education costs. With more grants and loans from the government, we hope that by 2016 the price of higher education for most students will have fallen considerably, so that our future leaders are better equipped to handle problems like the ones we are facing now.

Neither candidate’s foreign policy plan would be our ideal position in the coming years. We must remember that diplomacy, not threats or arms races, is the key to safety for Americans at home and abroad. Diplomacy to the Middle East is, as always, of particular importance. We hope that by 2016 our leaders will have learned to communicate better with Israel and its enemies to ensure the safety of its citizens and our own.

The tenor of the 2012 campaign is reflective of the partisan divide in both Washington and the media. Instead of engaging in rational and responsible debate, candidates amplify problems, negate solutions and are not held accountable for misleading rhetoric. Political action committees are virtually able to buy politicians and elections, and we hope to see them much more regulated by the time the next election rolls around.

We all have the responsibility to educate ourselves and stay engaged with these policies even after Election Day. Voting is only effective if we are politically literate and committed to an ongoing conversation regarding these issues.

A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 print edition. Email the WSN Editorial Board at [email protected].