When will americans start voting for third parties?

Question

Why do americans only vote for democrats or republicans?

Answer 1

The current electoral system is heavily slanted toward the two existing parties & makes it difficult for 3rd parties to even get on the ballot in some states. Further, the electoral college as it currently exists makes it extremely difficult for a 3rd party candidate to make headway, even if they are very popular.

In spite of these serious problems, 3rd party candidates continue to emerge in American politics. The most valuable contribution they have made so far is to force issues the 2 main parties wished to avoid into the open where they both have to take a position - often eventually the position becomes incorporated into a party platform of one or both "big" parties & the 3rd party loses the election but wins the contest for issues & ideas.

;-)

Answer 2

when we institute instant runoff voting.

IRV is a reform that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, so that in cases where there is no initial majority winner, a runoff recount can be conducted without a new election to determine which candidate is actually preferred by a majority of voters.

The IRV works basically as follows: Instead of just casting one vote for one candidate, voters rank the candidates: 1,2,3, etc. (hence, the motto, "it's as easy as 1-2-3."). If no candidate receives a majority of the #1 votes, the candidate with the least total of #1 votes is eliminated. The second choice votes from these ballots are then transferred to the other candidates. The ballots are recounted, and candidates are eliminated in this fashion until 1 winner emerges with a majority of the vote. The animated links to the left can help clarify this simple process, but let's talk about why it's a superior voting system, first:

When there are more than 2 candidates, it ensures the winner has a majority.
Without IRV, the winner can win with less than 50% of the vote. How do we really know they have a mandate?

It will allow more candidates, including independents and third-parties, to get involved in a race, without being accused of "spoiling" the elections.
Even if your favorite candidate comes in last, at least IRV allows your next favorite candidate to be counted. No more wasting your vote, and no more spoilers.

It will decrease negative campaigning. To win, candidates need to get some 2nd and 3rd place votes, as well as 1st place votes.
They'll be less likely to "go negative" if they need their opponent's voters, too.

IRV saves money.
Some states and local elections hold runoffs weeks later to pick the winner. IRV holds the runoff all in one election--saving money.

Answer 3

I used to be a Libertarian. The last time I voted Libertarian was for Harry Browne in 2000. After he got less than .5% of the popular vote, I just quit. It's Democrat or Republican.

Answer 4

Third parties don't have the financial backing to ever be serious candidates. Unfortunately, most people here are set in their ways as either a Republican or a Democrat and not open to new ways of thinking.

Answer 5

Not true. Perot in 1992. Nader and Buchanan in 2000. Libertarians always have a candidate. Anderson in 1980. George Wallace in 1968. Strom Thurmond in 1948. Plus others.

Answer 6

there have been some 0.33 party applicants who've been lots greater effective selections than the Republicans or Democrats have chosen for president. Ross Perot divided the Republican vote so critically that Slick Willy Clinton have been given elected.

Answer 7

There have been several attempts to lanch a 3rd party in the USA, but so far none have succeeded. Ask Ross Perrault

Answer 8

when there will be a third party worth voting for.

Answer 9

when another party starts getting money

Answer 10

we have done so for ages, remember ross perot