In the year 2000, when I able to cast my very first presidential vote I did a ton of research. I could not believe how many people were running for president! Diligently I took now most of the names and began my slow research on each one.
Quickly I learned that Bush would not be my choice. Reading more about Al Gore I thought maybe, but then I moved onto the Green party candidate and the Libertarian party candidate, and so on and so forth. Each of these parties had something I could agree with and a lot that I could not justify. Do I remember whom I voted for that year? No. But I do know that's the first time I realized there were more than just 2 choices.
Each presidential voting year after that I did the same thing - I have since narrowed it down to checking out Democrats, Republicans, Greens, and Liberals (although I did have to research McMullin this year). Greens continually stick out to me - for the most part I agree with what they stand for and how they could improve this country.
The past 2 presidential campaigns have led me straight to the Green candidate, Jill Stein. Yes, there are still things I do not completely agree with within the Green party but for the most part I think that they have the right ideas.
Many will say that I am throwing my vote away, but I have to go with my gut. Voting for the "least of two evils" seems like a waste of a vote. How can you justify that to yourself? Can you imagine if everyone voted with their "gut?" I think the US would be headed in a very different direction.
Please send your feedback. I am hoping to encourage healthy discussions of ideas and thoughts about our government, voting systems, etc etc.
Thanks for reading!
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