The only way to end our two-party system
Our two-party political system sucks. We need more options.
A lot of people recognize this, so many of us are voting third-party, regardless of how it affects the outcome of the election. If a third-party can get 5% in the popular vote, they’ll get public funding during the next election. Sounds like a sound strategy, right?
Nope. Here’s why:
Third parties are doomed unless we change our voting system
The reason third parties have never flourished in American politics is not because they lack funding or exposure. It’s because a winner-take-all voting system virtually ensures there can be no more than two powerful parties at one time.
This video breaks it down pretty well (with adorable animals!):
As long as our system is winner-take-all (or “first past the post”), third parties will always have a spoiler effect. Its not cynicism, its just math. A third party getting 5% of the popular vote and securing public funding will only make this problem worse. If, for instance, the Green Party gained 5% or more of the vote, it would almost certainly result in Republicans winning majorities, which is the least favorable outcome for anyone who votes Green.
So, what do we do? Well, ranked-choice voting would allow third parties to gain political power without helping their ideological opponents by accident. It already exists in many localities, but there is yet to be a successful movement to implement it at a national level. There needs to be if we’re going to ever get out of the cycle of voting for the lesser evil. (Join FairVote to help!)
In the meantime, voting third party hurts third parties
Ironically, voting third party this year will actually have an effect opposite to the one those voters hope it will have. It’s pretty clear that third-party votes will hurt Clinton more than Trump (and possibly have a similar effect on down-ballot races as well). And while both major parties will likely oppose any attempts to disrupt the two-party system, it’s likely that Republicans will be more successfully obstructive, given their long history of voter suppression and gerrymandering.
It’s laudable to vote one’s conscience during an election, and I can’t wait until we have a political system in which that’s viable. In the meantime, let’s vote strategically to keep Republicans out of power, and then fight tooth-and-nail with Democrats (or ally with them if they’re willing) to reform our voting system so that third parties have a chance.
Until then, I’m sad to say this “get to 5%” strategy hurts more than helps.
Note: This is a condensed version of a longer piece about why I’ve decided to vote for Clinton despite myself.
