This summer has been big for the elections; huge, in fact. After the candidates locked up their nominations in May each party held their conventions.

The Republican National Convention (RNC) in Cleveland, Ohio focused on the future, but the future described was not bright, due to the country’s democratic leadership and the world political situation. The speakers described radical Islam and random acts of terrorism worldwide as main issues.

Donald Trump, a self-described billionaire, real estate mogul and the Republican nominee, echoed this point with a powerful speech on the last night of the convention.

He gave a clear message: “The crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon come to an end. Beginning on Jan. 20, 2017, safety will be restored.” Trump stated that he is the only person that can lead this country and ‘Make America Great Again,’ sparking worries from both sides of the political spectrum, with many comparing him to an authoritarian dictator.

On the other side of politics, former Secretary of State and Senator of New York, Hillary Clinton accepted her nomination at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia, beating out Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, though the message from the DNC was very different from that of the RNC. The speakers gave input on a number of policies from LGBT+ rights to student debt and made sure to bring home their point that America is already great and a Democratic leadership will only make it greater.

Since their June conventions both candidates have been embroiled in controversy. Clinton is still reeling from her email scandal – she kept all of her emails on a private server during her term as Secretary of State. This has caused many Republicans and some of her fellow Democrats to question her honesty and trustworthiness. Clinton went to a hearing in front of Congress and was not charged based on the FBI’s recommendation.
Trump also had his fair share of scandals. He has continued to make arguments for his strong policy on Muslim and Mexican immigration – still wanting to deport all 11.4 million illegal immigrants and build a wall between the United States and Mexico. Trump also proposed removing all Muslim-Americans from the country solely because of their religion.

Because of these policies, the Republican party has lost points in the polls with minority voters, especially Latinos and African Americans.

Current polls have Clinton winning by merely two points on average across four polls released Sept. 6, with the Princeton Election Consortium giving Clinton a 95% chance to win the presidency.