Non-Presidential Considerations For Your Ballot
Voting is all long-game, let’s be strategic
I won’t talk about the presidential race because, to be honest, I think most people’s minds are made up one way or another. If Trump’s action have not swayed you in the direction of Biden, no matter how much you dislike the man, I don’t think a last-minute read will.
Plus, I for one am quite sick about writing about the two men. Lucky for us, the November ballot has far more to consider than which old, rich, white man you want to run the country for the next four years.
Here are some critical questions to ask yourself when filling out your absentee ballot (in-person, too late to mail in!) or going to the polls on or before November 3rd.
What races can you be more revolutionary with your vote?
It is incredibly disappointing to me, and many people my age, that if you vote outside of the Democratic/Republican party your vote is essentially wasted. In other words, the race is so tight between the two parties, no third party has a chance to get 5% of the vote…let alone win the election. This is widely the case with the presidential election and federal congressional elections (House of Representatives and Senate).
Although the hope for many is to soon abolish the two-party system, we aren’t yet there. BUT there are lots of races where it is safe to vote for third-party. Or at least it is safe to split your vote between a major candidate and a third-party candidate.
If you live in a state where a red or blue candidate is guaranteed, it is most likely safe to vote third-party. Remember voting this year speaks volumes for years to come. Maybe a Green Party candidate gets 20% of the vote this year, which will increase funding and security for years to come. Third-party candidates don’t have a lot of footing in our country because people are too scared to vote but imagine if this year third-party candidates get 20% of the vote. People will be more willing to fund and vote for third-party candidates in the future.
Voting is long-game. Let’s start being more strategic with our voting. Don’t throw away votes but don’t throw extra votes at people who don’t deserve or need…