A generation ago, Hugo Chávez’s election brought a wave of euphoria to Venezuela. The country was awash with oil dollars, and Chavez spent liberally on social programs. Now, his revolution has turned into an authoritarian regime whose broken economy forced millions to leave. Current President Nicolás Maduro is now facing serious accusations of electoral fraud. But even when they are a minority, there are still Venezuelans who continue to embrace Maduro’s government.
The mental health impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic will be felt for years — especially by young adults. Marlene Herrera, a first-time voter in San Diego, said it’s shaping how she’ll vote this fall. And when the Black Lives Matter protests began, she finally decided which candidate she’ll support.