After watching the Presidential Debate this week, I'm considering voting third-party. Our political system is so corrupt, something needs to change. I don't for a second think that a minor candidate can win the election, and even if they did, I don't think that any of the candidates can implement the changes needed to fix the system. But I no longer a vote for a minor candidate equals throwing away my vote. In fact, I think it may be the best way to make my voice heard.
This week, Democracy Now ran a supplemental debate that included two of the three "third-party" candidates who are on the ballot in enough states to be taken seriously. You can watch the debate here.
Here's a brief guide to the three minor parties and their candidates on the ballot, with links for more information:
Rocky Anderson, Justice Party: Launched in November of 2011 as an offshoot of the Democratic Party, the Justice Party is the newest third party on the block. Its mission, as stated on its website: "We seek to return political power to the people through fair and transparent elections, campaign finance reform, proportional representation, and Constitutional amendment. The Justice Party is a grassroots, broad-based, real political alternative to the corporate-controlled Democratic and Republican parties. We invite you to help build America’s just future."Anderson is the former Democratic Mayor of Salt Lake City. You can find his stand on the issues here. He is on the ballot in 16 states and an accepted write-in candidate in several states, but in eight states no votes for Anderson will be counted. (His official ballot map is available here.)
Gary Johnson, Libertarian Party: Founded in 1971, the Libertarian Party is the oldest and largest third party in the race. According to its website: "Libertarians believe the answer to America's political problems is the same commitment to freedom that earned America its greatness: a free-market economy and the abundance and prosperity it brings; a dedication to civil liberties and personal freedom; and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade as prescribed by America's founders."Johnson is the former Republican Governor of New Mexico. You can find his stand on the issues here. The Libertarian Party estimates Johnson will receive 6-percent of American votes and is on the ballot in 47 states (The official list is available here). According to Democracy Now, Johnson declined its invitation to be included in the supplemental debate.
Jill Stein, Green Party: The Green Party was formed in 2001 as a revamped version of the Association of State Green Parties (founded in 1996) and is affiliated with the European Federation of Green Parties. Its mission, as stated on its website: "Committed to environmentalism, non-violence, social justice and grassroots organizing, Greens are renewing democracy without the support of corporate donors. Greens provide real solutions for real problems. Whether the issue is universal health care, corporate globalization, alternative energy, election reform or decent, living wages for workers, Greens have the courage and independence necessary to take on the powerful corporate interests."Stein is a physician, author and environmental-health advocate. You can find her take on the issues here as well as the "Green New Deal". Stein is on the ballot in 42 states and accepted as a write-in in five other states. (Her official ballot map is available here.)
I have not yet made up my mind who I will vote for, but I am going to take the next few weeks to learn more about the minor candidates and hope others will as well. If you aren't already sold on Romney or Obama, please consider one of these alternate choices.
