On November 6, 2012, we will know who will be the leader of the free world for the next four years. But, this is not the only thing that will happen as a result of the presidential election. This year, third party candidates not only have the power to steal voters from either side of the aisle, but they have a chance to have a stronger future influence in the American political system.
There are four major third party candidates who voters can choose: Rocky Anderson, Virgil Goode, Jill Stein, and Gary Johnson. As most would predict, Gary Johnson, of the Libertarian Party, will likely get the largest percentage of votes out of all the third party candidates. And if he gets 5% of the popular vote, the Libertarian Party will receive equal ballot access in federal elections and equal federal funding for future elections. Additionally, it would open many citizens’ eyes to third party possibilities in government. More people may start voting Libertarian in future elections. It could be a catalyst to changing the two-party system to another system, changing what two parties compete, or changing the two parties’ platforms. This election could be a turning point in American political history.
Many
people argue that one might as well vote for one of the two major
candidates during American elections as to not "throw away your vote," but many
do not consider what it could mean if a third party candidate received a
large portion of votes. Political results would be much different if people
voted for who truly fit their views and expectations of a candidate—not only
would different candidates receive the opportunity to wield political power, but
people would have different options in selecting parties that best represent
them and our political system in the United States would be dramatically changed. A large
third party vote in this years’ presidential election could result in drastic ramifications leading to a more open and broad political system in the United States.
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