In an election year when polls show voters don’t approve of either President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump, third party and independent options are attracting notice from some.
“I do think that these conditions with two candidates who are not well-liked running — that you do have a greater opportunity for there to be a higher third-party vote share this time around,” said Geoffrey Skelley, a senior elections analyst at 538.
Third parties have played a significant role in some past races, including in 2016, when then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton lost key swing states by fewer votes than third-party candidates netted, and in 1992, with independent Ross Perot.
This year, some candidates, like Cornel West, are running to Biden’s left, arguing he isn’t as progressive as the base Democratic voter.
Democrat-turned-independent Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., on the other hand, is running on an anti-establishment platform that’s more difficult to peg on the ideological spectrum — one that includes a vociferous push to tackle climate change while also promoting conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and skepticism of vaccines that could resonate with hard-liners on the far right and far left.
“I feel that the Democratic Party’s really moved away from representing any values that I have,” said Oliver Shampine, who referenced Biden’s handling of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and noted that West speaks more about the need for peace and treatment of Palestinians.
Oliver Shampine, a supporter of 2024 third-party candidate Cornel West, in an interview with ABC News
ABC News
“Both candidates have had their chance, they’ve had their four years in the White House, and I haven’t seen a difference that I would like to see,” added Maddie Garvia. “I’m very, I’m very sure that Kennedy will provide great results for every American.”
Looming over the election is also No Labels, an outside group that is considering running a “unity ticket” of a Republican and a Democrat, though it’s still unclear precisely who they’d want to team up for a presidential run. They’ve set a deadline of Friday to make their decision.
The group is banking on wide enough frustration with a likely Biden-Trump rematch to open a lane for it to launch its own ticket — with early polling and interviews suggesting that frustration could come to a boil among parts of the electorate.
“I want to see us have somebody that is willing to work with the other side, gain respect, show respect, collaborate, solve, bring us together — not be throwing mud pies at each other,” said Louise Short. “Biden and Trump are throwing salvos they’re not saying what they stand for.”
In the end, it’s extremely unlikely that any third-party candidate will win the presidential election this year, given how many voters typically choose Democrats or Republicans and logistical challenges like name recognition and ballot access, experts say.
But if a candidate ends up pulling enough votes in key states from either Biden or Trump, they could serve as a decider for the entire country.
As the 2024 presidential race begins to heat up, many voters are starting to explore third-party options as potential alternatives to the major party candidates. While third-party candidates have historically struggled to gain traction in American politics, there are several reasons why voters are increasingly considering them in the upcoming election.
One of the main reasons voters are looking at third-party options is dissatisfaction with the major party candidates. In recent years, both the Democratic and Republican parties have become increasingly polarized, leaving many voters feeling disillusioned with the choices presented to them. This has led some voters to seek out alternative candidates who may better represent their values and beliefs.
Another factor driving interest in third-party candidates is a desire for change. Many voters feel that the two-party system is not serving the needs of the American people and are looking for new voices and ideas to shake up the political establishment. Third-party candidates often bring fresh perspectives and innovative policy proposals to the table, which can be appealing to voters who are tired of the status quo.
Additionally, some voters are drawn to third-party candidates because they offer a way to vote for principles rather than pragmatism. Major party candidates often make compromises and concessions in order to appeal to a broad base of voters, which can leave some voters feeling like their values are not being fully represented. Third-party candidates, on the other hand, are often more ideologically consistent and may better align with the beliefs of certain voters.
Despite these reasons for considering third-party options, there are still significant challenges facing these candidates in the 2024 presidential race. Third-party candidates often struggle to gain access to debates, media coverage, and ballot access, making it difficult for them to compete on a level playing field with the major party candidates. Additionally, many voters are hesitant to vote for a third-party candidate out of fear that it will lead to a “wasted vote” or help elect a candidate they strongly oppose.
In conclusion, while third-party candidates face significant obstacles in the 2024 presidential race, there are several reasons why voters are considering them as alternatives to the major party candidates. Whether it’s dissatisfaction with the status quo, a desire for change, or a commitment to voting for principles over pragmatism, many voters are looking beyond the traditional two-party system in search of a candidate who better represents their values and beliefs. It remains to be seen whether third-party candidates will be able to capitalize on this growing interest and make a meaningful impact on the 2024 election.
