As the 2024 presidential election approaches, voters face a familiar challenge: whether to support a third-party candidate representing their values or to align with a major party nominee perceived as flawed. This dilemma resonates deeply within the electorate.
Pope Francis recently weighed in on the issue, stating, “One must choose the lesser of two evils” during a news conference. He highlighted the contentious nature of the race, referring to both Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump as “anti-life” candidates, pointing to Harris’ stance on abortion and Trump’s views on immigration.
Despite this guidance, many remain reluctant to support either main candidate. Historically, millions of American voters back third-party candidates, which can significantly impact elections decided by narrow margins.
Polling analyst Tim Malloy remarked on the influence of third-party candidates, stating, “It’s extremely close, and although their support may be low, they can still be deciding factors in tight races.” Current polls indicate a competitive showdown between Trump and Harris.
Third-party voters often gravitate toward specific issues, such as abortion rights, environmental concerns, or foreign policy. These priorities can shape their decision-making in the upcoming election.
Challenges for Pro-Life Voters
John Quinn, a millennial and self-identified pro-life voter from Maryland, plans to cast his ballot for the American Solidarity Party, which opposes abortion rights. He acknowledges the likelihood of the ASP losing but believes that every vote holds significance.
Quinn expressed hope that a substantial showing for the ASP could prompt the Republican Party to reconsider its approach to pro-life issues in future elections. “If our vote costs Republicans the election, then hopefully they will take pro-lifers more seriously,” he stated.
Since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, the topic of reproductive rights has emerged as a key political issue. During the recent midterms, voters in five states supported pro-abortion measures, signaling a potential shift in public sentiment.
Harris has centered her campaign on reproductive rights, while Trump has faced scrutiny for his inconsistent stance on the issue. His recent hesitations about supporting an abortion-access amendment in Florida have added to the confusion.
With both major candidates viewed unfavorably, many voters are considering third-party options. “I wouldn’t even know how to weigh which is the lesser of two evils,” Quinn admitted.
Interest in third-party candidates appears to be growing, driven by dissatisfaction with the Republican Party’s evolving platform on abortion. Onak, the vice presidential candidate of the ASP, noted an uptick in engagement and donations following the GOP’s recent changes.
Beyond abortion, voters grapple with the Republican Party’s shifting economic and foreign policy positions. Asa Hutchinson, a former Arkansas governor, expressed his commitment to supporting a qualified Republican candidate instead of Trump.
Opposition to Major Party Policies
Voters like Anton Navaso have turned to the Green Party, rejecting both Harris and Trump due to their positions on international issues, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine. Despite expecting little from Jill Stein’s candidacy, Navaso believes that a strong third-party vote could influence future elections.
Roman Fritz, a college student in Wisconsin, feels conflicted. While he plans to vote for Harris to prevent a Trump victory, he has reservations about her policies. Fritz expressed that he supports Green Party candidates on issues but cannot ignore the implications of a potential Trump presidency.
Recent discussions within the Democratic Party have indicated a divide amongst voters regarding Harris’s foreign policy approach and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Navigating the Decision Landscape
Single-issue voters are faced with tough choices in this high-stakes election. Harvard political science professor Archon Fung offers a framework for those grappling with indecision. He advises considering their state’s electoral importance and weighing the consequences of their vote.
If a voter resides in a swing state, Fung suggests reflecting on their decision and its potential impact. “Ask yourself what you’ll say to yourself on Wednesday morning after the election,” he challenged voters, underlining the importance of owning their choices.
