Is a vote for a third party candidate a "wasted vote"? Would you vote third-part

1. 67

   sockiiposted 9 years ago

   Is a vote for a third party candidate a "wasted vote"? Would you vote third-party for US President?
   
   Most people when discussing US presidential elections only talk about Democratic and Republican candidates. But what of the 3rd party candidates who might better reflect certain peoples' interests and views? Some say you should never vote 3rd party because it "splits the vote" in close elections; Democrats complain, for instance, that those who voted for Nader in 2000 cost Gore the election. Some fear now that if Trump runs 3rd party he would split the Republican vote. But shouldn't people vote their conscience? Will we ever see real progress unless 3rd parties challenge the "status quo"?
   
   

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2. 88

   Virginia Allainposted 9 years ago

   At this point, I wouldn't want a 3rd party candidate to split the Democratic voters. It would kill their chance of either getting elected.
   
   I wish we did have a full-scale 3rd party though for the future, like the Green party in Australia.

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3. 71

   connorjposted 9 years ago

   
   
   I believe a strong third party candidate for the Democratic Party would be ideal for our country at this point in our journey. However, I don't believe the Repubs deserve this and should be content with Marco Rubio and Gentle Ben as President-elect and Vice President-elect (in any order)... Remember this duo.

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   1. 71

      dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      On the Republican side I believe it will be either Scott Walker or Jeb Bush in the end. John Kasich is also a strong possibility. The Republicans aren't going to choose a doctor who has never been elected to any office for their nominee.

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   2. 71

      connorjposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      VP Carson would be a choice to ensure victory; although I understand your logic...

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4. 71

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   In order for a third party to be viable it will take several election cycles of putting up viable candidates who are allowed to participate in debates and garner recognition for that party's platform and beliefs.
   Today most of our elections are determined by political action committees and who raises the most money for negative and defensive advertising.
   When people argue a vote for a third party person is a waste what they're really saying is most people are going to vote traditionally.
   Therefore a vote for a third party person is going to help or hurt one of the major two parties whose candidates will win.
   Truth be told more often than not there are a few third party candidates in every election. In 2012 Gary Johnson was the Libertarian candidate for president and Jill Stein was the Green party candidate.
   Neither one of them participated in any of the national debates or received national recognition to share their views with the country. Without publicity no third party can break through.
   Have you heard of any of the following: Marc Feldman, Cecil Ince , Steve Kerbel, Darryl Perry, Derrick Michael Reid, and Joy Waymire?
   They are all Declared 2016 Libertarian Presidential Candidates!
   As of now the Green Party has Jill Stein  and Cynthia McKinney.
   When people vote they are hoping their candidate will win and effect changes immediately. They don't want to cast a "protest vote".
   Therefore someone who supports the Green Party is more likely to vote Democrat believing they will do more for environmental causes. A person who aligns them self with the Libertarian Party is more likely to vote for a Republican because they believe they will work towards having a  smaller government and lower taxes.
   The only time the media pays attention to a third party candidate is if they are bigger or more well known than the party they represent. (Ralph Nader, Ross Perot, or  possibly Donald Trump) otherwise their candidates get no media coverage.
   Al Gore lost because he didn't win his own home state of Tennessee! That would be like Reagan losing California, Clinton losing Arkansas, Bush losing Texas, or Obama losing Illinois.
   Clinton won Tennessee both times he ran!
   Gore got 266 Electoral votes to Bush's 271. Had Gore won his "home state" he would have added 11 electoral votes. 270 is the magic #

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5. 51

   bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years ago

   Yes, it is a waste, but then again, I think a vote for the democrats or republicans are wasted. Neither party has moved the country forward, while both of them have helped the decline.
   
   I would like to see a major candidate in the third party. One that would be able to sway both dem and repub voters to go outside their box.
   
   Who would it take for you to vote outside the box?

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6. 0

   Kevin Goodwinposted 9 years ago

   A third party vote in my opinion is not as bad as a write in vote for Mickey mouse. If a person wants to vote for a third party voter that is up to them and who am I to judge them.

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