Viable 3rd Party

[Limper]

Most of us agree that the two parties we have do a shit poor job of running things and representing us... we tend to settle but when the debates get going I truely think we'd all be happier without Reps or Dems.

So how do we make that happen?

[Varaj]

Vote 3rd party.

[Limper]

Vote 3rd party.

I often do however how do we get the bulk of the population to do so as well?

[Varaj]

I often do however how do we get the bulk of the population to do so as well?

Hacking electronic voting machines.

[FeatsofClay]

It seems to me (no proof, just the feel) that we won't get a third party until we have MANY.

The first successful thrid party will fractionalize everything until we have 6-8, like normal countries.

[Dr_Avalanche]

Preferential vote. Make people feel they're not throwing away their vote just because their first choice is a long shot.

[Name Lips]

Preferential vote. Make people feel they're not throwing away their vote just because their first choice is a long shot.

This.

[AZRogue]

This.

I agree. People have a hard enough time thinking their vote matters as it is; throw in voting for a third party and it just appears to be a waste of time.

It isn't. I'm a firm believer that it's necessary. One of the reasons why I'm currently leaning towards Barr.

[Harry]

Preferential vote. Make people feel they're not throwing away their vote just because their first choice is a long shot.

We'd have had a Jesse Jackson for President by now with that, no doubt!

[AZRogue]

Hell, the Democrats and the Republicans alone could separate into at least four parties. Throw in the Libertarians and the Greens and you have a nice playing field then.

[Pigs in Space]

Preferential vote. Make people feel they're not throwing away their vote just because their first choice is a long shot.

This is the case in a lot of countries and it works well enough.

The two major parties still dominate, but there is a hell of a lot more independent, special interest and minor party action going on.

[PWD]

In a 2-party system with no viable third party... any confusion over which way to vote should go against the incumbent.

Which doesn't answer how to get a viable third party, but it does keep the shit nicely stirred.