3 Reasons Why People Vote Third Party
Historically, voter turnout rates in the United States are highest during presidential elections, even though it is arguably more important and impactful to vote in local elections.
Nevertheless, voter turnout for federal elections (which are held every two years) is quite dismal at best. The average turnout of eligible voters tends to hover around 55-60% of the voting population during presidential elections, whereas for non-presidential election years, the average turnout is between 40-45%. This means that there is a vast number of eligible voters, and moreover, a vast majority of people living in the United States, who find themselves inadequately represented by their government.
Here are three reasons why people may choose to vote third party:
Funding for Future Elections
For an independent party to receive even just 5% of the vote could mean a major shift in the future landscape of politics in the so-called United States. This threshold allows a third party to receive federal funding in future elections, thus qualifying as an officially recognized national party. Ultimately, this is beneficial for legitimizing local grassroots movements that work bottom-up.
Dismantling the Two-Party System
By refusing to play into political theatrics maintaining the status quo, one seeks to undermine and divest from the duopoly married to corporate capitalism. “The fact is money and not votes is what rules the people. And the capitalists no longer care to buy the voters, they simply buy the ‘servants’ after they have been elected to ‘serve.’ The idea that the poor man’s vote amounts to anything is the veriest delusion.The ballot is only the paper veil that hides the tricks.” Voting independently or writing in a vote for your local election delegitimizes the two-party system under oligarchic control, creating a disruption in polling expectations as an act of resistance.
(Mis)Representation
People are vastly underrepresented by the two party system. Given the highly polarized nature of the U.S. political landscape, it is no wonder that many folks feel unheard, unseen, and unrepresented by duopoly candidates. No single individual candidate has the knowledge and lived experience to represent, protect and advocate for the interests of underrepresented communities living on Turtle Island. As people who have the privilege of voting, it is our responsibility to consider how people who are unable to vote are often forgotten by their elected officials. These marginalized communities include but are not limited to undocumented people, many of whom are indigenous to this land, incarcerated folks, unhoused neighbors, disabled and/or neurodivergent people. More options therefore has the potential for greater ideological representation.
How do we divest from our interest in monetary success, power, and exceptionalism?
The truth is that “voting won’t undue settler colonialism, white supremacy, hetero-patriarchy, or capitalism… The process of colonial undoing will not occur by voting. You cannot decolonize the ballot.” Voting by itself is not the most effective way to make impactful change in our communities. We must collectively turn away from fear, individualism, and greed, instead leaning in together toward community, connection, care, mutual aid and understanding.
Mutual aid means community members invest their time, energy and resources into taking care of one another. Starting mutual aid projects are not as difficult as they may seem. For instance, in many cities there are large populations of unhoused folks. Simply asking someone what they need and then bringing items they ask for can go a long way. This is a simple way to create connection with neighbors who are typically overlooked, undervalued, and unrepresented in our society.
Mutual aid organizing is about addressing needs within the community and creating intentional symbiotic relationships with one another. In other words, it is our duty as community members to think globally and act locally.
Written by Katelin Ling Cooper
