Sometimes, third-party candidates are great, but most often they just divert votes from the more deserving opponent.
Jane,
63
West Linn, OR USA
This year I am
seriously considering voting for a third party candidate for U.S. Representative
from my district. The 9-term, Democratic incumbent is being investigated
for funneling money to a business owned by his family.
Voting for the Republican would be a vote for the Bush administration.
I can't support an Iraqi war and I deplore the business friendly rape
of the environment.
The independent is a possibility.
Jill,
61
Saylorsburg, PA USA
I think they are a good wake-up call to how our system isn't serving the interests of all. If on the ballot I usually vote for the Greens. I heard Ralph Nader respond once to the question "Doesn't he feel guilty that his presidential candidacy was taking votes away from the democratic candidate Al Gore?" Nader said some to the effect that the issues he was representing were important enough for the Dems to include in their platform and the question should be, shouldn't the Democrats be worried that they are loosing the votes of those turning to the Greens and why aren't they doing more to recapture those folks? It was great and put the blame where I personally feel it should go. As for throwing away votes, I think the Democrats need a wakeup call and it means several terms of Republican leadership so be it. Apologies to those who find themselves on the other side of the politcal spectrum from these comments.
Felicia,
36
Lowell, MA USA
I think it's a shame a third party doesn't stand a chance, but it doesn't. I'll never vote third party because it would be a waste of my vote.
Judy,
62
Easton, KS USA
I feel sorry for some of them and I'm horrified by some of the others. Third-party candidates have almost no chance of being elected. That's too bad for the ones with good causes who can't fit themselves into the two major parties. However, I'm glad that the ones who scare me can't be elected either.
Cathie,
53
Novi, MI USA
I'm voting for the Green party candidate for govenor. If we want more viable parties, we have to start voting for them.
Laura,
37
Lowell, MA USA
They have every right to be there and if I agree with their views than I would whole-heartedly support them.
Cara,
18
Valparasio, IN USA
Simply put, they're better. Vote for them!
Firelady,
24
Frisco, TX USA
In general, the
same as I feel about any general category of candidates. Mostly indifferent/vaguely
annoyed.
Karen,
23
Ames, IA USA
This will only be my third time voting but since I've started I've been voting third party, mainly Libertarian. The mainstream politicians are all owned by the same companies ( www.opensecrets.org ) so no matter how much I might hate one of them I don't see the point in voting for ther "opponent."
Alias Irrelevante
I think they are important to give the voice of minority groups a say, as well as shake up elections from time to time.
Ryan,
29
Morton, IL USA
Third party candidate usually are third rate.
Cindy,
41
VA USA
Dude, third party candidates totally reek of awesomeness...
Cladius,
31
Rome