Sean Stevens: Third Party Votes Count Too

Voters – With around 60 days left until one of the biggest elections in our lifetime, I felt it necessary to reach out to as many voters as possible to give some valuable information too. Let me be clear I am not telling anyone who to vote for, that’s not my place to do so. Republicans and Democrats have been limiting your choices to vote for qualified 3rd party candidates for years. This year seems to have hit a breaking point with dirty tactics that not many voters are even aware of.

First, our fine Governor Cuomo used his power from the coronavirus to change the rules for 3rd parties to gain ballot access in New York. Second, Cuomo thought it was a good idea to set aside 100 million tax dollars for Republicans and Democrats to run their campaigns. That’s 100 million of your tax dollars! On a national level each of the two top parties are unleashing fear tactics that a vote for a third party is either a wasted vote or a vote for their opponent.

Let’s use common sense for just one second, your vote matters for whoever you vote for. A vote for a 3rd party is just as important as any other vote and only counts for the candidate you vote for. Voting for the lesser of two evils outlines the countries on going issues. If a person is not qualified, that person is not going to magically become qualified to be able to fix the issues we are already facing.

First and foremost, you can vote for any candidate you want. Your affiliation only matters in the primary elections not general elections. Once you walk over and cast your vote, no one knows who you voted for. Voting for a 3rd party also gives more parties ballot access, reduces signature requirements, helps the party become eligible for federal grants to run campaigns, you have more choices to vote for, levels the playing field against the DUOPOLY and helps gain access to be able to debate. Don’t rely on the media to give you all the information, educate yourself to other candidates and get out and vote November 3rd 2020.

Sean Stevens
Oswego County Libertarian Chair

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