In light of Evan McMullin's recent announcement that he will be mounting a conservative, independent challenge to Trump and Clinton (don't worry, we all had to Google him too), here are a few of my thoughts:
- If you are supporting a 3rd party or independent candidate because you truly believe he or she has a legitimate shot of winning at least a state or two, then good for you; I respect that. Go out and work hard for that candidate. Trying to break the two party stranglehold on American politics could potentially also be a respectable reason to vote 3rd party.
- Despite this election being between the two most unpopular nominees in history, the odds of any candidate not named Trump or Clinton winning a state are still extremely low. In a society where a large percentage of people could not even name the two main candidates, it will be incredibly difficult for a candidate with low name ID to gain any traction. Especially without the backing of a major party.
- If you're voting 3rd party merely to take a principled stance or keep your conscience clear, that's fine too. Just realize that as a conservative, you are essentially saying that Hillary would be better than Trump, because every vote he loses is a vote gained for her. Same goes for liberals voting for Jill Stein; you guys are essentially allowing Trump to be elected. Like it or not, that's how it works in a two party system, especially given the nature of the electoral college. To say otherwise is merely wishful thinking (unless you fall into the first category of people I mentioned).
- I still intensely dislike Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and as of this moment, I have not made up my mind on whom I will be voting for, if anyone. Rest assured though, it will not be Hillary Clinton.
- No matter how much you detest the candidates at the top of the tickets, please, please, don't let that deter you from showing up to vote this November. There are hundreds of principled candidates down the ballot that need your support. The Presidency is only one office, and can be held in check by the courts, Congress, and state governments.
