Voting for a Third Party Candidate Is NOT Wasting Our Vote

[Bandit795]

Voting for a Third Party Candidate Is NOT Wasting Our Vote

Preface: Many Americans are waking up to the fact that the Republican and Democratic candidates are incredibly similar. See this, this, this, this, this, this, this. (all of these are links in the original article)

Many people are starting to realize that Obama and Romney are virtually indistinguishable on war, jobs, freedoms and favoring fatcats instead of the little guy.

Many of us want a third party candidate to win … but are afraid of “wasting our vote”.

Leading conservatives and liberals say that we should vote for a third party candidate.

Judge Napolitano explained today why voting for a third party is not wasting one’s vote:

Can one morally vote for the lesser of two evils? In a word, no. A basic principle of Judeo-Christian teaching and of the natural law to which the country was married by the Declaration of Independence is that one may not knowingly do evil that good may come of it.

***

So, is a vote for [a third party] or no vote at all wasted? I reject the idea that a principled vote is wasted. Your vote is yours, and so long as your vote is consistent with your conscience, it is impossible to waste your vote.

On the other hand, even a small step toward the free market and away from … central economic planning would be at least a small improvement for every American’s freedom. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

(Conservatives like Jon Huntsman, Sarah Palin have spoken favorably of third parties as well.)

Liberal news commentator Lawrence O’Donnell urges us to vote for a third party candidate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oVUIgYleuE

The liberal former chief aide to progressive Congressman Alan Grayson – Matt Stoller – agrees. After demonstrating how similar Obama and Romney are on most major issues, Stoller concludes:

I think it’s worth voting for a third party candidate, and I’ll explain why below.

***

There are only five or six states that matter in this election; in the other 44 or 45, your vote on the presidential level doesn’t matter. It is as decorative as a vote for an “American Idol contestant.” So, unless you are in one of the few swing states that matters, a vote for Obama is simply an unabashed endorsement of his policies. But if you are in a swing state, then the question is, what should you do?

***

The people themselves, what they believe and what they don’t, can constrain political leaders. And under Obama, because there is now no one making the anti-torture argument, Americans have become more tolerant of torture, drones, war and authoritarianism in general. The case against Obama is that the people themselves will be better citizens under a Romney administration, distrusting him and placing constraints on his behavior the way they won’t on Obama. As a candidate, Obama promised a whole slew of civil liberties protections, lying the whole time. Obama has successfully organized the left part of the Democratic Party into a force that had rhetorically opposed war and civil liberties violations, but now cheerleads a weakened America …. We must fight this thuggish political culture Bush popularized, and Obama solidified in place.

But can a third-party candidate win? No. So what is the point of voting at all, or voting for a third-party candidate? My answer is that this election is, first and foremost, practice for crisis moments. Elections are just one small part of how social justice change can happen. The best moment for change is actually a crisis, where there is actually policy leverage. … Saying no to evil in 2012 will help us understand who is willing to say no to evil when it really matters. And when you have power during a crisis, there’s no end to the amount of good you can do.

How do we drive large-scale change during moments of crisis? How do we use this election to do so? Well, voting third party or even just honestly portraying Obama’s policy architecture is a good way to identify to ourselves and each other who actually has the integrity to not cave to bullying…. We need to put ourselves into the position to be able to run the government.

After all, if a political revolution came tomorrow, could those who believe in social justice and climate change actually govern?

***

[if we had had more courage, we could have] reorganized our politics. Instead the oligarchs took control, because we weren’t willing to face them down when we needed to show courage. So now we have the worst of all worlds, an inevitably worse crisis and an even more authoritarian structure of governance.

***

The reason to advocate for a third-party candidate is to build the civic muscles willing to say no to the establishment in a crisis moment we all know is coming. Right now, the liberal establishment is teaching its people that letting malevolent political elites do what they want is not only the right path, it is the only path. Anything other than that is dubbed an affront to common decency. Just telling the truth is considered beyond rude.

***

We can do this. And the moments to let us make the changes we need are coming. There is endless good we can do, if enough of us are willing to show the courage that exists within every human being instead of the malevolence and desire for conformity that also exists within every heart.

***

Systems that can’t go on, don’t. The political elites, as much as they kick the can down the road, know this. The question we need to ask ourselves is, do we?

Why I’m Voting for Gary Johnson

One of the main reasons to vote for a third party candidate is that the broken two-party system will never change unless third parties get more backing.

If 5% of the American people vote for a third party candidate, that candidate will receive government matching funds, which will give them a better shot at competing.

Moreover, a showing of 5% or more would create buzz and start a self-fulfilling dynamic of lending credibility and a sense of possibility for a third party.

But do any third party candidates have a chance of getting 5% of the vote.

Yes … Gary Johnson.

Judge Napolitano endorses Gary Johnson. Jesse Ventura endorsed Johnson.

Even Ron Paul hinted that he would vote for Johnson. And in 2010, Paul said that if he didn’t run in 2012, he would endorse Johnson.

A bunch of other people have endorsed Johnson as well. And at least some newspapers – such as the Chattanooga Free Press – have endorsed Johnson.

In fact, polls show that Johnson might reach 5%. A September CNN/ORC International poll showed that 3% of likely voters and 4% of registered voters say they’d vote for Johnson. A Reason-Rupe poll the same month showed Johnson raking in 6% of likely voters.

Those polls were taken before Ron Paul convinced his supporters that he’s out of the race, and before he virtually endorsed Johnson.

Moreover – since the polls were taken - Johnson has gotten on the ballot in 48 states … and won the right for write-in votes for Johnson to be counted in the remaining 2.

Ron Paul supporters can, of course, write in Paul on the ballot. But a write-in vote for Paul will not be counted in most states.

And since he is not affiliated with any party at this point - and since even he will likely himself vote for Johnson - a vote for Paul will not help any third party. No wonder many diehard Paul fans are announcing that they're going with Johnson.

As such, I’m voting for Gary Johnson.

Postscript: Johnson is not perfect, but he is solid on issues of civil rights, liberty, peace and fiscal responsibility.

[brbrlocke]

You have the right to vote for whoever you want. I personally wish it wasn't a best party race but instead be a best person for the job race.

[dog53]

Yes its a wasted vote. Period.

[mrmcwhipit]

Yes its definetly a wasted vote.

[jonjon]

Lies do not becme the truth, no matter how mamy times they`re told

Wasted vote and a waste of time.

[Lutie]

Bandit you are so wrong. Romney and Obama are not just alike. Romney may not meet all of your qualifications for what you want in a president but he is by far not as dangerous as Obama. It is so clear where Obama wants to take this country and it's down a very bad road Business people will not expand or start new business's under Obama because they know how anti business he is. Obama care is a disaster waiting to happen. So why not give us the best chance we have to get back on a good economic road. You can always vote Romney out in 4 years if you don't like what he has done and bring in your own candidate to run again. If Obama gets in and has nothing to stop him because he doesn't have to worry about another election he will bring this country to it's knees in another 4 years. So yes I do think a third party vote is a wasted vote and in this case a very dangerous and thoughtless thing to do. Why bother to pull the lever if it means absolutely nothing. No point has been proven no good has come from it. I think I have said this before I agree with a lot of Ron Pauls ideas but I think it's sad he doesn't encourage his followers to do what's best for this country right now when there is no hope for a third party and give it your best again in 4 years. This is not ment as a put down to anyone it just comes from a deep fear of what America will be if Obama and all his socialist backers and anti American thugs win.

[Bandit795]

If you people continue to believe that Mitt Romney is going to be any better than Barack Obama what concerns the economy, foreign policy and your freedom.

I got two words for you.

KEEP DREAMING.

Wat you're going to get is more wars (Iran), more dictatorship/erosion of your freedom (NDAA), more government spending and more of the federal reserve ponzi scheme (Fractional Reserve banking and money printing), which means more debt. I've proven it enough times here on this forum. You are going to get the same as Obama.

With any of these two puppets, the United States of America is lost. And there will be a continued transfer of wealth from the rich, the middle class and the poor to the owners and executives of the big banks.

[skinz]

Yeah, I can appreciate what you're trying to say. I'm a Ron Paul fan, but not to the extent most people take it. But I would stake my life on the fact that a third party candidate will never come close to winning the presidency. It is a wasted vote... if our vote even counts in the first place. :x Make your choice between the two scum bags.

[flatdawg]

[Peace]

as sad as it is.

[Bandit795]

True...

[dontlop]

If you people continue to believe that Mitt Romney is going to be any better than Barack Obama what concerns the economy, foreign policy and your freedom.

I got two words for you.

KEEP DREAMING.

Wat you're going to get is more wars (Iran), more dictatorship/erosion of your freedom (NDAA), more government spending and more of the federal reserve ponzi scheme (Fractional Reserve banking and money printing), which means more debt. I've proven it enough times here on this forum. You are going to get the same as Obama.

With any of these two puppets, the United States of America is lost. And there will be a continued transfer of wealth from the rich, the middle class and the poor to the owners and executives of the big banks.

i think we will be at war with iran no matter who wins ..its just a matter of time .. iran is and always has been a huge player in terrorism acros the globe.. when its time their govt will be replaced .. i dont see alot of dead iranians .. it will be smart bombs taking out govt and anyone who fights for that govt .. i guarentee they will use human shields .. thats the mind set we will be up against .. suicide bombers ect. real nut cases

[DANar]

Yes, I tried to send a message in the early 90s by voting for Ross Perot and we know the result of that "statement." That is the reality of a two party system we have in this country.

[Nelg]

If the country wants a third party, then the people need to work hard at developing that party. When it gets big enough (people wise) and have enough electoral votes to have a chance at being elected, then a person's vote might count to elect a president. At the present time, no matter how many people like a person running for the office, that person will not be elected. It is a vote lost to the party closest to what you consider as important for the government.

At present, the electoral college vote declares that we have two candidates who might win the presidency though there are several others on the ballet. I remember elections when cartoon characters were on the ticket; lot of people voted for them. But did there vote count? No. It was just a vote destined for oblivion.

Select one of the two major candidates and vote. Until the system changes (1st para.), what choice do you have?

Commercial: My wife and I voted nearly three weeks ago. Nice. No lines and no waiting, and it took all of 10 min. for the both of us.

[flatdawg]

Select one of the two major candidates and vote. Until the system changes (1st para.), what choice do you have?

Commercial: My wife and I voted nearly three weeks ago. Nice. No lines and no waiting, and it took all of 10 min. for the both of us.

Continuing to vote for one of the two major candidates ensures that the system will never change.

I voted early this year as well. My vote is one that was not wasted... it was cast against the two main candidates.

[dog53]

Continuing to vote for one of the two major candidates ensures that the system will never change.

I voted early this year as well. My vote is one that was not wasted... it was cast against the two main candidates.

Your vote meant nothing. You wasted it. Shame ( you sure showed them didnt you hahahahah)

[Lutie]

Sorry flatdog you wasted your time threw away a vote. I could get over that but you voted against my children and my grand children And probably never gave it a thought .

[skitealwedrop]

If the country wants a third party, then the people need to work hard at developing that party. When it gets big enough (people wise) and have enough electoral votes to have a chance at being elected, then a person's vote might count to elect a president. At the present time, no matter how many people like a person running for the office, that person will not be elected. It is a vote lost to the party closest to what you consider as important for the government.

At present, the electoral college vote declares that we have two candidates who might win the presidency though there are several others on the ballet. I remember elections when cartoon characters were on the ticket; lot of people voted for them. But did there vote count? No. It was just a vote destined for oblivion.

Select one of the two major candidates and vote. Until the system changes (1st para.), what choice do you have?

Commercial: My wife and I voted nearly three weeks ago. Nice. No lines and no waiting, and it took all of 10 min. for the both of us.

Great post. Your right, the electoral college vote declares the outcome of our election. Our votes are considered popular. Most American's are not aware of that. There is much false propaganda surrounding our elections and what really occurs in DC. I realize that our Constitution dictates, today. Our Constitution is antiquated and no longer applicable to Americans and the way that we survive today. The Supreme Court sucks, too. I have read reports that the Supreme Court is reconsidering their opinion of Obamacare, as they should. I love American politics. I wish that I could do something to cause change in DC. Americans deserve better.

[skitealwedrop]

If the country wants a third party, then the people need to work hard at developing that party. When it gets big enough (people wise) and have enough electoral votes to have a chance at being elected, then a person's vote might count to elect a president. At the present time, no matter how many people like a person running for the office, that person will not be elected. It is a vote lost to the party closest to what you consider as important for the government.

At present, the electoral college vote declares that we have two candidates who might win the presidency though there are several others on the ballet. I remember elections when cartoon characters were on the ticket; lot of people voted for them. But did there vote count? No. It was just a vote destined for oblivion.

Select one of the two major candidates and vote. Until the system changes (1st para.), what choice do you have?

Commercial: My wife and I voted nearly three weeks ago. Nice. No lines and no waiting, and it took all of 10 min. for the both of us.

American voters should read Nelg's post.

[Nelg]

American voters should read Nelg's post.

Appreciate the complement skitealwedrop. You would think that most voters would understand the process. I do think that the voting system needs to be changed, but I don't know what we put in its place.

Here is the process: When the American people vote, they are actually choosing people for something called the Electoral College. It is the Electoral College that actually chooses the president. Each state gets a number of electoral votes based on the state’s population. (Maryland has 10; Virginia gets 13 and Washington — which isn’t a state but still gets electors — has three.) That’s why states with a lot of electoral votes are important in the election. Also, in most states electoral votes are “winner take all” — so, for example, if Mitt Romney wins Florida by just one vote, he still gets all 29 of its electoral votes. There are 538 electoral votes up for grabs in Tuesday's election. Whichever candidate gets 270 of them becomes the president.

[flatdawg]

( you sure showed them didnt you hahahahah)

Actually, I did. For the fifth straight Presidential election, I showed the two main parties that I don't approve of them.

You know, I hold people like you responsible for the mess this country is in, you're the ones that keep voting in the losers like the one we have now.

Sorry flatdog you wasted your time threw away a vote. I could get over that but you voted against my children and my grand children And probably never gave it a thought .

A vote for the two main parties is a vote for you children?

You haven't a clue.

If our country's Founding Fathers thought like you we'd still be ruled by the crown.

[Nelg]

Below is a state by state number (taken from WikiPedia). Sorry about the colors, please disregard. The color means nothing until after the election.

[mrmcwhipit]

Actually, I did. For the fifth straight Presidential election, I showed the two main parties that I don't approve of them.

You know, I hold people like you responsible for the mess this country is in, you're the ones that keep voting in the losers like the one we have now.

A vote for the two main parties is a vote for you children?

You haven't a clue.

If our country's Founding Fathers thought like you we'd still be ruled by the crown

Flatdawg i think it is you that doesnt have a clue , It is people like

you that will maybe keep this country in the mess its in now for four

more years. Yea you really showed them alright haha sure.

[RodandStaff]

Yes... you can vote for an ideal... and let's face it, if the time for that ideal hasn't yet come to fruition yet... if it's an idea "before it's time"... then it's still just an ideal, and not something that will bear fruit... "YET".

I am becoming less and less a fan of the two party system, but we saw with Ross Perot that those votes, though they may have held some sentimental value to those who cast them, were basically wasted in the long run. It's time to start turning this ship around imo. How do we do that??? ... take the best we have "now"... then work like mad to get someone even better in the Oval Office, and in Congress, and in the Senate for the next election... preferably someone not bogged down by the two party system with all it's Bankster's and red tape, and who will return us to the constitutional America we once were.

It's time we take this country back and make our Govt. afraid of it's citizens instead of the other way around!!! Impossible you say? Well, maybe we have to remind them of the second amendment... the right we have to bear arms... to keep not our enemies outside our borders at bay... but to keep our own encroaching Govt. at bay.

We have to remember, though we may just be "one puny little ant"... a lot of us together can make a difference!!!

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=HuTzd-uz7HM

[littlefeet]

Actually, I did. For the fifth straight Presidential election, I showed the two main parties that I don't approve of them.

No one will ever know that but you.......IMO, it will not be kept in some book as record, just thrown aside..........I get your point and agree, a lot more Americans should support a third party...just don't think they will....the masses are not smart enough to know better, just vote the two choices being paraded around for the better part of a year all over the media