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Politics

Leave Me And My Third Party Vote Alone

There's no such thing as a wasted vote. So kindly swerve.

Katie Harnisch

Aug 01, 2016

Olivet Nazarene University

twitter

I get it, I really do. Hillary or Trump?

Evil 1 and Evil 2. Tomato, tom(ah)to.

At this rate and in a few months, America will lose a third of its population to Canada or Mexico and the "lesser evil" or the "greater evil" will be ~~coronated~~ inaugurated into the Presidency.

And. Is. Going. To. Represent. America.

And everything we stand for. He or she will lead our country as Commander in Chief. Some citizens will rejoice, and there will be many citizens who will still not be happy. Because they settled. They settled for a "lesser evil," because they were too afraid to use the democratic system for the exact reason we have it: To vote for the person they desire to be President. Not someone they don't desire because of fear of the one they really don't desire... I know it's a tad confusing, but that's literally the logic behind "lesser evil" voting.

What I've been hearing lately is that my voting for Gary Johnson (the Libertarian candidate) is a waste of a vote and is throwing away votes to Hillary or Trump. "Vote for the lesser evil, because then ~~'Lucifer, Prince of Darkness'~~ Trump/Hillary won't run our country into the ground!"

Sweet, thanks for the advice. I've been hearing this because of the track records of third parties, and that's a great thing to consider, because third parties are rarely successful. But my response to those of you who have made that point very clearly to me is this:

When you voted for Romney and President Obama won, did you feel that your vote was wasted? How about when you voted for Gore? How is this different than what I am choosing to do? I am choosing to vote for the candidate that best represents me. And if a "lesser evil" does not represent me, I am glad. I am proud to use my voice that was granted to women like me by the nineteenth amendment, to vote for my own personal version of the "good guy," someone I believe in, and most of all, someone I can trust. I am not afraid to have lost an election to Trump or Hillary, because my vote counts too, no matter what you may dare say.

If you genuinely believe Donald or Hillary is the best fit and represents your voice the best, kudos to you. I will not judge you as I have been judged. I am happy that you are voting for someone you can actually stand behind, and it is your prerogative to vote for him or her because democracy is a beautiful thing.

If you are a "lesser evil" voter, no matter which evil is placed in this role, is the "lesser evil" still someone you wanted in the presidency in the first place? No? Then please stop pestering me about my choice to vote for a person who I actually want to see to see win the election; because at least I'm using democracy for what it's meant for, and not hiding behind someone I don't believe in.

#GaryJohnson2016

Kathy out.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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