She will participate in a panel discussion on social and policy topics at Hannaford Hall on Oct. 7, the 1-year anniversary of the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
The idea that only one candidate can beat Trump assumes the current two-party system is unchangeable and doesn’t give people any room to voice dissent.
Instead of falling into the trap of lesser-evil voting, I think that supporting third-party candidates can pressure the major parties to adopt more progressive platforms or even pave the way for alternative political voices to gain real traction over time.
Dismissing third-party votes as wasted just reinforces the limited choices we’re stuck with.
I refuse to support the Duopoly, and honestly, the hostility and bullying I’ve received on Lemmy only strengthens my resolve NOT to vote Democrat.
And while I respect your opinion, it’s exactly this kind of thinking that keeps the duopoly in power. People are too afraid to make a change or take a stand, which is why nothing ever shifts.
Oh, there’s no question the system needs to change, the problem is it’s not one system. It’s 50 + D.C. + territories. Well, 49, Alaska fixed theirs… if they can keep it. I guess there’s a referendum on Alaska’s ballot this cycle to remove it.
Oregon and Nevada are next… Portland already has it for City elections, this will be the first time and it’s frankly, with 118 candidates, looking like a clusterfuck. Going to be super fun voting this year:
But like I say, for the next 41 days, this is the system we have and we’re working within those rules. The winner will be Harris or Trump and, while I agree, Harris is a terrible candidate, she is INFINITELY preferable to Trump.
At some point you will walk away from an election going “What could I have done differently?” When that happens you’ll realize voting isn’t about a purity test, it’s about harm reduction.
Two unsavory candidates, who is going to hurt us the least? Vote for them.
When you get a chance to fix the system, then do that. If you don’t have a chance to fix the system, then it’s time to get that started.
I’m actually excited to support ranked choice balloting here in a couple of weeks when our ballots arrive. We moved the needle with 100% vote by mail in 2000, it’s time to do it again.
Well, hey, props from moving from a dead end candidate to an even deader end candidate I guess.
When 1% of the vote is just too mainstream! LOL.
I chose the candidate who aligns most closely with my values.
Despite the fact that voting for them makes it easier for the person LEAST aligned with your values.
One person can beat Trump, they aren’t a fringe candidate.
Fortunately, none of the states where she’s on the ballot are going to be even close.
Louisiana (8) - Trump (2020 - 58/39 Trump)
Minnesota (10) - Harris (52/45 Biden)
New Jersey (14) - Harris (57/41 Biden)
Tennessee (11) - Trump (60/37 Trump)
Vermont (3, as Independent) - Harris (66/30 Biden)
Washington (12) - Harris (57/38 Biden)
The idea that only one candidate can beat Trump assumes the current two-party system is unchangeable and doesn’t give people any room to voice dissent.
Instead of falling into the trap of lesser-evil voting, I think that supporting third-party candidates can pressure the major parties to adopt more progressive platforms or even pave the way for alternative political voices to gain real traction over time.
Dismissing third-party votes as wasted just reinforces the limited choices we’re stuck with.
I refuse to support the Duopoly, and honestly, the hostility and bullying I’ve received on Lemmy only strengthens my resolve NOT to vote Democrat.
No, it’s that the election system is not going to change in the next 41 days before the election.
So, yes, one person can beat Trump. Kamala Harris. Or, you know, heart disease. Give it 50/50. ;)
And while I respect your opinion, it’s exactly this kind of thinking that keeps the duopoly in power. People are too afraid to make a change or take a stand, which is why nothing ever shifts.
Oh, there’s no question the system needs to change, the problem is it’s not one system. It’s 50 + D.C. + territories. Well, 49, Alaska fixed theirs… if they can keep it. I guess there’s a referendum on Alaska’s ballot this cycle to remove it.
https://alaskapublic.org/2024/05/29/ranked-choice-voting-that-has-rocked-alaska-politics-faces-november-tests-across-the-nation/
Oregon and Nevada are next… Portland already has it for City elections, this will be the first time and it’s frankly, with 118 candidates, looking like a clusterfuck. Going to be super fun voting this year:
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2024/09/117-candidates-running-for-city-office-in-portland.html
But like I say, for the next 41 days, this is the system we have and we’re working within those rules. The winner will be Harris or Trump and, while I agree, Harris is a terrible candidate, she is INFINITELY preferable to Trump.
And I still refuse to vote for either one of them. Because I’ll be voting for a candidate who I like and who aligns with my values.
Which helps Trump. :)
At some point you will walk away from an election going “What could I have done differently?” When that happens you’ll realize voting isn’t about a purity test, it’s about harm reduction.
Two unsavory candidates, who is going to hurt us the least? Vote for them.
When you get a chance to fix the system, then do that. If you don’t have a chance to fix the system, then it’s time to get that started.
I’m actually excited to support ranked choice balloting here in a couple of weeks when our ballots arrive. We moved the needle with 100% vote by mail in 2000, it’s time to do it again.
https://ballotpedia.org/Oregon_Measure_117,Ranked-Choice_Voting_for_Federal_and_State_Elections_Measure(2024)