In less than a month we will see 2016 presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump square off in the first presidential debate. Unfortunately for third-party candidates Jill Stein and Gary Johnson, the nominees for the Green Party and Libertarian Party respectively, neither are likely to be on the debate stage. Even though both candidates will be featured on most ballots this November, they have not yet reached the 15% polling average required to be participate in the debates. Despite this, voters should still do their part to educate themselves on these alternative voting options. Below are the stances of Stein and Johnson on a few key issues.
When it comes to education, Stein and Johnson have very different ideas on what the federal government's role should be. The Libertarian Party nominee believes the federal Department of Education should be eliminated completely, while Stein believes that federal funding towards public schools should be increased. Additionally, the two have differing opinions on private schools as well. Johnson believes private schools provide public schools with a healthy competition, while Stein thinks that the education system should be protected from privatization. Furthermore, Stein believes student debt should be abolished. Both candidates agree that Common Core curriculum should be removed.
Environment
Stein and Johnson agree that the environment should be protected. Being a member of the Green Party, Stein unsurprisingly puts a much heavier emphasis on protecting the environment in her platform than Johnson does. Stein's goal is to have the US change over to 100% clean renewable energy by the year 2030. She would like to see stronger environmental laws enacted and a fee be issued to anyone using fossil fuels for energy. Johnson also supports the government's role in protecting the environment, recognizing the importance of departments such as the Environmental Protection Agency. However, Johnson also believes that lobbyists sometimes dictate too much on what policies are enacted.
War on Drugs
Both candidates believe that marijuana should be legalized. Johnson believes that legalizing the drug will not only lower crime, but will also add another industry that will contribute to the economy. Stein believes that substance abuse should be treated as a health issue, rather than a criminal one. Ultimately, Stein and Johnson agree that the war on drugs is costly and ineffective.
While neither Jill Stein nor Gary Johnson have a chance at winning the election, their supporters should not feel discouraged from voting for them. They will appear on the ballot of most states, granting the majority of US citizens the ability to vote for them. If one truly supports the stances of these third-party candidates, they should not hesitate to let their voice be heard and their vote be counted. Even if the vote will not result in a win, it will still represent a voter's beliefs and conscience.
