Pro
By Charlotte Holzhall / Staff Reporter
In recent years, Americans have become increasingly frustrated with national politics, and they haven’t felt represented by either Democratic or Republican ideologies. However, some voters have taken to creating a political environment they can be satisfied with by voting for a third party candidate.
There are numerous advantages of voting third party, but they start with the fundamental importance of Americans being able to vote for their personal ideals. The two major parties fail to encompass every belief Americans have.
According to U.S. News and World Report, a third party candidate can be more targeted to the specific values of a voter. For example, the Green Party specializes in environmental regulations and policies. Americans having the option to vote for someone who shares their precise beliefs is a valuable part of being represented in a democracy.
Some Americans argue a third party vote won’t accomplish anything because they are unlikely to win. However, the success of a third party doesn’t solely come from their ability to win an election. According to a briefing posted by the U.S. State Department, third parties are able to bring their priorities to the forefrontof the country’s view.
People who vote for a third party candidate are often seen as casting protest votes that will only make it harder for a major party to win. Nevertheless, the goal of third party voters is to change the direction of the American political system. If a third party takes votes from a major party, the public begins to notice these seemingly less important groups. By disrupting the normal election process, third parties are able to broadcast their ideals to the nation.
Winning an election is not the most important thing for these voters. Their priority is making the government more representative of all beliefs by bringing their concerns to the national stage.
Because of this, voting for a third party can be an effective use of your vote to make the government more representative.
Con
By Lily Howes / Staff Reporter
As the United States’ political climate has become increasingly polarized, there has been a rise in the debate surrounding third party candidates and their efficacy. Voters choose a candidate outside of traditional parties for many reasons, but regardless, voting for a third party is wholly symbolic and not an effective use of a vote.
Due to the United States’ Electoral College system, it is nearly impossible for a third party candidate to win a race for major offices; therefore, making a choice to vote for a third party candidate is extremely wasteful. According to The New York Times political scientist Dan Desalvo, the Electoral College operates on a “winner take all” system; if a candidate earns the most votes, they win the state outright. Even if a third party candidate is relatively popular, it is almost impossible for them to gain enough support to win one state, much less the Electoral College majority.
According to the Pew Research Center, the last time a third party candidate won an Electoral College vote was in 1968. Third party candidates aren’t able to win major elections, so voting for one is essentially throwing away a vote. Oftentimes, voters believe by voting third party, they will be able to sway close elections. However, in close elections there are more pressing factors than the third party vote.
For example, in the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore narrowly lost the presidency by five Electoral College votes in states such as Florida. Some argue that Ralph Nader, the independent candidate, cost Gore the election. However, many political scientists have asserted those who turned out for Nader in Florida likely wouldn’t have voted otherwise, and the mismanagement of ballots in Florida is what cost Gore the election.
Many third party voters are frustrated with both political parties. However, insinuating both Democrats and Republicans are equally bad is not only oversimplified but incredibly dangerous.
Voters have to swallow their pride and vote for the candidate they believe at least has a chance of bettering America rather than hurting it.
