This year’s election has been incredibly controversial. Between Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump and his opponent, Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, voters are not satisfied with their party’s nominees.
This has led to an increase in support for third-parties.
The Green Party’s Jill Stein and the Libertarian Party’s Gary Johnson have increased in popularity. Several voters are now insisting that neither Clinton or Trump deserve or have earned their vote. However the problem with third-party voters is that they split the Democratic vote further.
As of August 5, according to Real Clear Politics, a race between Clinton and Trump puts Clinton leading by 7. She stands at 46, while Trump stands at 39. However, when Stein and Johnson are included, Clinton’s lead drops by 3 points. Clinton has 39, and Trump 35, while Johnson has 12, and Stein 5.
Now the argument that third-party voters are making is that they do not feel comfortable voting for either party’s nominee. They say they feel a responsibility for who enters the office and the actions that come out of it. They consider voting for either party’s nominee’s is unethical and morally corrupt.
While voting for policies and candidates you believe in is highly democratic in nature, there are several caveats that it entails.
While most third-party voters believe that a third party could not win, they are willing to vote in order to make a statement. What they do not consider is the impact of splitting democrats vote.
With the split, third-party voters decrease the gap between Clinton and Trump. The risk of Trump becoming President increases as more people vote third-party.
Women, people of color, and other minorities are quick to say they do not have the privilege of putting their foot down. They are willing to vote for Clinton, even if they prefer another third-party candidate, because they are unable to take the risk of Trump gaining the Presidency.
All in all, it is important to check your privilege when you vote. Being able to vote whoever you want is not a luxury everyone can afford. You might be doing more harm than good.
Featured Image: Screenshot Via YouTube Video.
