Quote:
Originally Posted by FishlessExistence
They haven't been viable options in quite some time. Because money is such a big part of politics here, the independents don't do well as they're poorly funded compared to the Republican and Democratic parties. A lot of people view voting independent as essentially throwing away your vote.
|
That seems to be a common perception, it becomes a sort of self fulfulling-prophecy. Independents over here have done really well the past two elections. In the UK supporters of UKIP considered it a wasted vote, now UKIP is deemed a very possible threat. A little bit of confidence in an independent party can go a long way, your votes more than likely won't get them many seats but the more support they get the more they'll be seen as a liable option. It's similar to the bystander effect, if you want others to support independents you'll have to start supporting them yourself, regardless of the outcome a little bit more confidence put into a party you agree with is not a wasted vote. Voting for a party you don't care for on the other hand is.