How do I explain to a young Gen Z friend that voting third party is not in her best interest?

[qwlauren35]

23. Can't help you - I don't agree.

This election has some races that would have devastating effects if Republicans won. But if there is a race that she believes has a chance, a STRONG chance for a third party to win, she can consider it. If for example, there is a race at the state level where a third-party elected official would be beneficial, or if all of the available candidates are douche bags AND the third party candidate has a shot at winning, I say "campaign for them". Because if others don't see what you see, it won't happen.

The two party system causes problems. All voices are not heard. Good candidates of any party should have a shot of winning. BUT, this is an election where we need to vote *against* someone. And the only way to vote *against* someone is to back the person with the most chance of beating them, no matter how you feel about it. That's why people who don't like Biden need to hold their noses and vote for him anyway. People who don't like Kamala Harris need to hold their noses and vote for Biden anyway. Anyone who wants Trump to lose must bite the bullet and vote for Biden.

Senate races, House races... if you have watched what has happened, the Senate Republicans, in the minority, have worked across the aisle. They even shut down Tuberville, a radical pro-life Republican who was stalling appointments over abortion issues. The House Republicans, in the majority, have stalled mountains of legislature that is good for America. Last time the Senate Republicans were in the majority, they appointed extremely conservative Supreme Court judges, and we lost Roe v. Wade. Having a Republican majority in the Senate pushes the US toward conservatism. It's important to vote against it. *BUT* if a third party or independent candidate has a shot at winning, campaign for them. Just remember that if the polls show a three way race, you need to know who you want to vote against, and let that decide who to vote for.