2006-09-24 14:07:51 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
Both. It is a vote that helps one of the main parties.
I used to be an independent and actually voted for Perot in 92 and again in 96. Looking back, I realize now that I was only helping the Republican party and my vote was a complete waste of my time.
You see, after those two elections, a few studies were done that determined most of the Perot voters would have voted for Clinton. So, voting 3rd party results in helping one of the two main parties.
Also, if you examine congressional votes since the mid-90s, you will find that the Republican party has literally been in lock step with their leadership.... meaning they have consistently voted down party lies almost 100%. The Democratic party tends to be more free spirited concerning this and you will find that many times, a few Democrats will vote against the majority of their party.
This tells me that Democrats are voting their conscious more often than the Republicans.
Now with that said, I think it is time we learn to sacrifice our personal nitpicking ideas on issues and fight fire with fire. It is time we vote down party lines and stop wasting votes on 3rd party candidates.
Yes in a perfect world, it would be just lovely to vote for 'the person'... but that is not the reality today. You can't vote for 'the person' when one party is voting in lock step. If you do this, the result will always be the corrupt candidate winning... the candidate that used the 3rd party candidate to distract you away from his/her opponent.
2006-09-24 14:09:18 · answer #1 · answered by BeachBum 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When Ross Perot ran against Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton, I firmly believe that had he not run, Bush Sr. would have won re-election. He definitely split the vote, and sadly, he had some great ideas and the fiscal responsibility and restraint to do a good job. But even with his unlimited campaign fund, Mr. Perot could not take enough of the party line voters to win. And with everyone unhappy with what was going on in the Persian Gulf, Perot got just enough dissatisfied Republicans to vote for him to help elect Clinton. So, you decide if it's worth it voting for an Independent, at least in a Presidential race.
2006-09-24 14:17:20 · answer #2 · answered by fearslady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not wasted. If the 3rd party candidate gets 2% of the vote (national elections), they qualify for federal election funds the next time out. They also gain credibility and free airtime on TV.
IMO, it's the only way to go if you don't agree with the majority vote in your state, but don't like the minority candidate.
2006-09-24 14:10:51 · answer #3 · answered by Catspaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not a wasted vote. It helps the smaller party to grow! That is very important! Always vote for who YOU want to win. That's the point of voting. That's why we have elections. It's not "wasted." If you EVER vote for someone you don't really want to be in office as much as someone you'd really want to be in office, then you are wasting your vote.
2006-09-24 14:18:47 · answer #4 · answered by monkey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although these days, you're either a Republican or Democrat. Personally, I'm Non-Affiliate. I am not pressured into voting either way. I vote for whomever I feel will best is suited
for the needs of the American People. As a woman voter...our predeccesors have fought hard to get give American woman the right to vote. So please YOUNG women...VOTE!
2006-09-24 14:24:30 · answer #5 · answered by Aine14 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no vote is a waste. but if you vote for any of the third party challengers you help the incumbent. chances that the candidate wins is slim.
2006-09-25 07:02:51 · answer #6 · answered by scififed 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your pain. I have a moderate Republican as my rep. He needs to go, but is running against a communist. No win here. So I plan on writing my name in. Too many people have died for my right to vote. Then I have the Senator Lieberman situation. I want Lieberman out because he is way too liberal. Lamont is a moron. I know nothing about Alan Schlessinger, but he will get my vote.
2006-09-24 14:10:21 · answer #7 · answered by Chainsaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vote for whomever you think would do the best job. There are only "winning" votes and "losing" votes, not "wasted" ones.
2006-09-24 14:13:43 · answer #8 · answered by southeastside 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do your research and vote for the candidate you believe in.
i think some ppl just vote for the most popular person or party.
sad but true
2006-09-24 14:19:33 · answer #9 · answered by Enigma 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't beleive any vote is a wasted vote.
2006-09-24 14:17:02 · answer #10 · answered by pritty_princess_c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋