The 2016 election will go down in history as one of the most chaotic elections with the two most disliked candidates. In fact, a recent Gallup poll indicates that at least 25 percent of Americans dislike both candidates equally. That means one in four Americans will be more likely to abstain from voting entirely than be forced to cast their lot in with either Trump or Clinton. Neither candidate is trustworthy, honest, or likable, and citizens would rather not vote for either and hope for the best. After all, what other option is there?

His name is Gary Johnson, and he is the alternative.

Gary Johnson is the former Governor of New Mexico and Independent party candidate for the president of the United States. He is realistic and presents views that make perfect sense. He doesn’t want the government to interfere with individual rights — such as the right to marry, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, or a woman’s right to choose. He wants to protect citizens and the environment from pollution and disaster and wants companies to take responsibility for their actions. Most importantly, he doesn’t want the government to have absolute control over the lives of the citizens it was established to serve.

Unfortunately, Gary Johnson doesn't get much notice. His media attention has been little and the big news corporations such as Fox News and CNN pretend that he is not running for President at all. He’s had precious few interviews and is barely even mentioned in the polls and “official” election coverage. Gary Johnson neither views the presidency as a means for ultimate power (Donald Trump), or as a way to validate himself as a “real” politician, even though his only claim to notoriety is sitting on the coattails of the last decent president this country has had (Hillary Clinton).

Sensationalism and controversy are the bread and butter of the 2016 election. Clinton and Trump have made the headlines more for their antics than for any real election news. They are so removed from the reality facing America at large that they can't see how foolish they are; they are too sure of their places. I dare say that Gary Johnson is the only realistic and sane candidate out of the the bunch, but he is too "normal" to get the media attention he deserves. Come election day, don't forget that there is an alternative to Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, despite what the media chooses to show. Give him a chance; after all, he is a better option than the other two. What is there to lose?