The Harm of Voting for a 3rd Party in 2024

• Donald Trump won the 2024 election

• 2.1% of voters submitted an independent or third-party vote

The 2024 United States presidential election has passed and now there is no debating Donald Trump's victory. While this might be hard for many avid supporters of the opposing option, this has raised awareness of one of the faults that contributed to his victory: the voting of third-party candidates. Even though many people have believed their vote to be a form of protest or a message, it might have helped their least favorable candidate's campaign and elected presidency. While their effects are being easily undermined, their ultimate impacts on the election are undeniable and helped the force of electing a man who stands for everything they meant to speak out against.

The Consequences of a Divided Vote

As we know, every vote matters. But how much did people really utilize that sentiment in the 2024 election, when it mattered? This election presented democrats and more broadly, the people, with the opportunity to preserve democracy. Third-party candidates mean well in presenting their opinions but rarely have a real chance of winning. However, while the votes they received did not impact their own chance of winning, it shifted the trajectory of the election.

A common argument from third-party voters is that they didn’t want to choose between two "bad" options. Many voters of this party were not convinced by either candidate but rather believed that neither could offer the change they wanted represented. Some voted for progressive third-party candidates like Cornel West or the Green Party's candidate, while others leaned toward more libertarian choices.

However, in a two-party system, casting a vote for a candidate who has no chance of winning can have serious consequences. Specifically, when the two main parties are so opposed and politically competitive with each other in their policies. In battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia, the margin of victory was razor-thin. In these states, the percentage of third-party votes was more than enough to have tipped the scale in favor of Trump.

The Myth of the "Protest Vote"

For many and most third-party voters, their decision was made as a form of protest or showing their disdain for the two major options. The "they both suck/I don't support either" people. The argument they showcase is that with their vote, they're representing the need for reform. However, the uncomfortable truth to face is that these little acts of protest won't do anything in their favor in a general election to create change. This does not create a movement but instead, it creates a current against the policies they need. By voting third-party, especially in a swing state, this only helps to elect Donald Trump. A man who wants to backtrack on the impacts of any progressive goals and expresses his clear disinterest in climate, justice, and overall policies that independent voters strive for. The best word that comes to mind for the cause/effect of these votes is counterproductive. When they wanted to make a statement, they instead did the opposite of their purpose and led Trump into the Whitehouse so he can pass issues that are differing from the independent opinions.

Conclusion

Votes are not taken lightly and this election has proven it more so than ever. Third-party votes should not be seen as an innocent form of protest. As a need for political movement is by all means important, we have to reflect on the consequences of our supposed actions and the contradictions they may unveil themselves as. As said before, the Trump agenda is probably the last thing they would consider progressive towards their goals.

Acts of protest like this will not get us anywhere, we will move forward and better ourselves through preparation and education and we can and will do better in 2028.