Democrats and Republicans know 3rd parties are trash. They split the vote, have crazy candidates and can’t win.

But this isn’t a post bashing 3rd parties.

As a Democratic voter in the US, you’re told “if the other party takes office, it’s the end of democracy”. As a Republican voter, you’re told it’s a chance to execute Project 2025. But this poses a serious problem, especially for the Democrats - Unless you have a way to get Dems into power perpetually, the Republicans will eventually enter office and execute Project 2025.

Let’s face it. The Democrats and Republicans brought the US to where it is in 2024. If you’re fine with how things are, keep voting Republicans or Democrats. If you don’t like how things are, it’s time to look at tactical voting.

Tactical Voting

“I would vote for the Socialist party, but since they won’t win, it’s effectively a vote for Trump”

3rd parties aren’t trying to win. They’re trying to take small steps. The electoral college is not going away, and ranked voting is never coming. But that doesn’t mean you can’t support 3rd party candidates.

Thanks to the Electoral College, if you’re not in a Swing state, your vote doesn’t affect the election outcome, but it does affect the popularity of 3rd party candidates.

Put simply: If you do not live in a Swing state, you can vote for a 3rd party this November.

Candidates

First, if you find yourself fully agreeing with all the policies from Democrats or Republicans, then it’s highly unlikely you’re forming your own opinion.

Second, no 3rd party candidate is perfect. It would be a stretch to even call some of them good. But this isn’t about winning, it’s about a future where they’re on the debate stage.

Libertarian: Chase Oliver

  • Pro gun
  • Pro police reform
  • Pro choice

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Oliver

Green: Jill Stein

  • Anti-war
  • Universal healthcare
  • Free public education
  • Eco-socialism
  • Worker rights

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jill_Stein

Party for Socialism and Liberation: Claudia De la Cruz

  • Cut military budget by 90%
  • Seize largest US corporations
  • Tax billionaires out of existence
  • Universal healthcare
  • Better public transportation
  • Forgive student loan debt

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudia_De_la_Cruz

American Solidarity Party: Peter Sonski

  • Anti-war
  • Pro-life
  • Anti-same sex marriage
  • Increased border security

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Sonski

(Independent): Cornel West

  • Universal healthcare
  • Public housing
  • Cut military budget

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornel_West

Think

The US is not going to magically get better. The US is not going to magically undergo major reform. The Republican and Democratic parties have every incentive to keep things how they are - but your vote still counts. Vote for the future you believe in, and stop fearing third parties.