Just because they're big: Do you think it's right to vote for the major parties?

Question

Personally, I don't like the Democrats or the Republicans, but in some major elections, I've voted for one of the major parties. In a Presidential election would you vote for a lower-profile party that supported your values or one of the major parties who didn't, just because you knew they were more likely to get elected? Yes/ No, Why?

Answer 1

Vote your conscience! You need to vote for the person that you fell represents YOU and YOUR ideals and values. Just because they don't belong to the "Big 2" is no reason to NOT vote for them just because you don't think they'll win. If there is a viable 3rd party candidate and enough people vote for that person they might win. I voted for Ross Perot in 1992 because I couldn't in good conscience, vote for Clinton OR Bush, and I felt that Perot was a better vote for me. Did I think he could actually win? No, not at all. It was more of a protest vote really, but I least I got out and voted. The point is, don't worry about the big picture, just vote for YOU!

Answer 2

I've done it both ways. If you really feel there's no significant difference between the two major party candidates, you can make a statement by voting for a third party to give it more credibility for the future. I don't think the Dems and Reps will always be the only parties in power.

If, however, there really is a difference or a clear "lesser of two evils" I think it's smarter to vote major party. Can anyone really believe in hindsight that things would not have turned out differently under a Gore administration? The Nader votes turned that one and it DID matter.

Answer 3

this 2 party system is the best going. Consider this: the vast majority of people are voting for party member or the other. With those kinds of number going enter a 3rd candidate and you tend to split 1 of the 2 party voting blocks. Case in point: ross perot during the clinton regime. Ross split the conservative voting block and clinton got in by less than 50% of the votes.

Answer 4

I go back and forth on this with my wife. I feel I'm supporting criminals by voting Republican or Democrat and she feels that no 3rd party will win and there has to be some balance, so why would I waste that vote. I'll probably go into the voting booth in 08 and reluctantly vote Democrat as long as its not Hillary Clinton.

Answer 5

The system is corrupt. Both parties are bad becuase they are both bought for cash and influence. I'd vote for the Green Party if they could win. But they won't since everyone wants to vote for the winner.

What you need, as a first step, is the add a column on the balot paper that says "None of the above". This will do two things:

1. It will allow the millions who never come to the polling stations becuase they hate both parties to come and atleast select "None of the above" and voice their disapproval of the system.

2. It will allow the system to have a record of something is wrong and then atleast we will be able to address the issues of the masses that selected "None of the above".

Answer 6

No. The two major parties (Democratic and Republican) are corrput beyond repair. There is no real difference any longer. Sure, there are some ideological differences, and one party tends to be more inclined to arrogance than the other, but basically do the exact same thing when they achieve power.... maintain corporate control in the US.

It's way past time for a change.

Answer 7

Vote for whomever you like, but in most cases if you dont vote for a high profile party youre throwing your vote away. Thats not always the case and if more people voted by who supports thier values then the odds would be better. Example, I consider myself a republican, does that mean I always vote republican? No. I vote for who I think is the best candidate for me and for the country.

Answer 8

I always vote for the Green Party, even if they haven't a chance in the near future. I don't want the responsibility of having elected someone like, say, Bush.

Answer 9

It's right to vote for the major parties candidates IF they are the best for the job. The minor parties generally attract candidates who have some problems.

Answer 10

Vote for the SPLATT party. Here's our story.

I am the founder of the SPLATT (short for Stop PLATe Tectonics) political party. We are an environmentalist wacko movement. Our platform is shaky. It's to eliminate earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis and the damage that they cause.

Our mascot: the flatworm

Theme songs: "Shake, Rattle and Roll", "Whole Lot of Shaking Going On", "I Fell the Earth Move Under My Feet", "Hunka Burning Love", "Ebb Tide", "Surfin’ USA", “Catch a Wave”
Energy saving device: Lava Lamps *
Environmental clean-up agent: Lava soap *

Favorite food, breakfast: squash pancakes
Favorite food, lunch: blue plate special
Favorite food, supper: plank steak
Snack food: thick crust pizza
Beverage: milk shakes
Adult beverage: vodka martini, shaken, not stirred

I hope I didn’t make an ash of myself ~<{:-)]#