(no subject)

[mommydama]

Is it worth it to vote for a third party? Because I'm seriously thinking about it. I feel like it is sort of a "lose the battle to win the war" kind of thing. I want to vote. I feel guilty not voting. But I just CANNOT bring myself to vote for one of the two major party candidates. But I could vote for a third party. I'm not telling who or which one. I don't want to get into the debates and ugliness on LJ. But I've found a candidate I could get behind. Is it worthless? I know it will make no difference in THIS election. But the more people are willing to vote their conscience and support third parties the stronger they will become. It seems like they get stronger every election.

I WANT to vote for someone for the first time in months. Should I do it?

Comments

[emchelle.livejournal.com]

The one thing that has me shying away from a third party candidate is that, as it exists now, the electoral college all but guarantees the maintenance of a two-party system. Unless a third party candidate has massive support and a huge number of votes, they aren't going to get any electoral college votes, and legitimacy doesn't mean much if you're never truly in the running for office.

Third party votes are far more effective on the local level, and that's where I think the change will come from. As undecided as I am, I really can't see giving my vote to a moot candidate when I think of the larger picture and the needs of every citizen. I can't just vote for who I'd want for president - that seems a little too...insular. And self-serving. As much as I don't like to admit it, it seems to me like I should prayerfully decide which of these men will be a better leader for the country and vote that way, rather than trying to give a show of support to the third party.

JMHO.