Third-Party Voting: Why It Is a Waste of a Vote
As the 2020 presidential election swiftly approaches, the Republican and Democratic parties have grown divided due to the increasing tensions between the rivaling presidential candidates, current President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. Many people remain undecided on which candidate to vote for; therefore, they may be drawn to consider third-party voting. This option is also attractive to some due to certain ideals and beliefs that may not be as emphasized in the Republican and Democratic parties. Nevertheless, history has proved time and time again that third-party presidential candidates have been unsuccessful in gaining enough supporters necessary to have a reasonable chance in winning an election. With this, third-party voting should not be considered a viable option when it boils down to the decision of choosing a presidential candidate, as it detracts valuable votes away from promising candidates with higher chances of winning the election.
“The majority of people do not vote enough for third-party candidates for [their presidential nominees] to win,” junior Maya Ashai said. “Third-party voting is like a waste of a vote.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, in 1992, Independent candidate Ross Perot profited off of the weltering campaign of George W. Bush and managed to maintain enough support as a third-party candidate, drawing a large number of crucial votes away from Bush. Though Perot did not win the presidency, his third-party campaign led to detrimental side effects for Bush, ultimately costing him the election. This election, as well as the 1996 and 2016 elections, highlights the inefficiency of third-party voting by demonstrating how voting for a third party only interferes with elections by compromising the number of votes allotted to stronger candidates.
“The American people, though not obligated to vote Democratic or Republican, are bound by a two-party system, not allowing for a third party to be dominant,” World History and U.S. History teacher Charles Kim said. “In the end, [third-party voting] is not considered beneficial, and if given the chance to vote, [one should] find the candidate between the Democratic and Republican party [who] is the better fit.”
Admittedly, though, third-party candidates provide the middle ground that is lacking between the Democratic and Republican parties. The Libertarian Party, Green Party and Constitution Party are just a few third-party options available for those who disagree with the two majority parties. Nevertheless, there is a small handful of individuals who vote third party due to their lack of education about the main party candidates. Pew Research Center, a data base which tracks American and international trends through public opinion polling and social science research, reveals that young males (the majority being 18-24 years old) and voters ill-informed about America’s politics and elections will feel more persuaded to vote third-party. Though some individuals vote for a third-party candidate in accordance with their beliefs, this takes away significant votes from majority party candidates that can affect the entire election. Voting has the ability to shape the future of American government, and it is imperative that those who choose to participate in elections make an informed decision, regardless of party affiliation.
“[If] people are undecided and feel as if they need to vote for a third-party candidate, they can, but it certainly takes votes away from the candidates who can actually win,” senior Jackson Grant said. “In elections like this [current] presidential election, there is too much at stake. [It] is necessary to vote for the main candidates, not a third-party.”
