Why would I consider voting 3rd party? I've heard the argument that it's wasting a vote. I understand the sentiment behind this argument. There's a need by voters to feel as if their vote matters. And if one knows that a vote will not count, why cast it?
America has a multi-party system, not a two party system. Many people are fed up with the two party system. And many Americans would not only consider voting third party, but think that it would do the country some good if a third party president were elected. However, the majority of Americans believe that a third party cannot win. I got this information from the following poll. Pay attention to questions 33, 34, and 35:
Fox News Poll
So why don't people vote the way they believe? I think too many have bought into the line of thinking that says this vote would be wasted and they can't win anyways. However, if everyone who says they would consider a third party for president actually voted for a third party, wouldn't we see a change? The reality is that our system will continue to be a two-party system until we vote how we believe, instead of choosing the "lesser of two evils." We as Americans need to take responsibility for what the election process has become. This is, after all, our country. So until we do things differently there will be no change and things will continue the way they are.
I am now stepping down from my political soap box.
That's funny you bring it up because I was just researching third party candidates this morning, wondering what I'm going to do. I don't want to feel like I have to compromise what I believe to vote for, as you said, the "lesser of two evils." While on one hand, it might seem like a throw-away vote, on the other it might send a message to the two big parties that we're tired of partisan politics and we want a candidate who will do what's right, rather than just doing what follows political their party's political agenda. So far, I'm still not sure what I'm going to do. Guess I should get on that, unless the baby decides to come and gets me out of it! Great post!
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