In American politics, it’s mostly Democrats and Republicans hogging the spotlight, leaving third parties in the shadows. But why the monopoly? With so many other voices out there, it’s a puzzle why they don’t get more attention. Whether through the vigorous campaigns of independent presidential candidates or grassroots movements of minor-party platforms, their influence is undeniable. 

It all began in 1826, when the Anti-Masonic Party was founded, a crucial year in American history. This grassroots movement, which emerged from public outcry over secrecy and purported misconduct within the Freemasons, represented the ability of common people to confront entrenched interests and demand responsibility. 

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Looking back at American elections, the 2000 race between Al Gore and George W. Bush is a key example of how third-party candidates have made a difference. It was a tight race, and as the Green Party’s third-party candidate, Ralph Nader, gained more than 2 million votes, but controversy marred the Green Party’s accomplishment. Democrats blamed Nader for causing Gore’s defeat by redirecting votes simply because of his presence in the race.

As history would have it, the election ultimately came down to a pivotal state: Florida. Here, every vote mattered, and the impact of third-party participation became apparent. Ultimately, this race ended with George W. Bush winning the presidential election.

“Ralph Nader got about 3 percent of the vote nationally, but that 3 percent came almost entirely from people who would have otherwise voted for Al Gore,” said Professor Daniel Chand Political Science

Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator “So, if he hadn’t generated the buzz that he did in 2000, the reality is Al Gore would have won. Al Gore lost the state of Florida by about 536 votes, and, Ralph Nader received thousands of votes in Florida. So Ralph Nader hadn’t run. We would have had President Al Gore in 2000 as opposed to President George W. Bush.” 

Fast forward to 2024, and we continue to see those independent candidates striving to make their mark in the political world. From grassroots activists to seasoned politicians, these candidates represent a spectrum of ideologies and visions for the future. 

Third parties give a voice to those often ignored and push major parties to tackle overlooked issues. But winning elections is tough for them. The big–two parties hold a lot of power, and there are tough rules for third parties to get on the ballot. People worry about ‘wasted votes’ and ‘spoilers,’ which makes it harder for third-party candidates.

Beyond the typical party lines, independent candidates such as Jill Stein, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Cornel West, offer fresh perspectives outside the usual party lines. With a focus on independent thinking, their presence in the race highlights a desire for diverse representation and innovative solutions in the political landscape.

 “The United States has what’s called a winner-take-all system. let’s say we have three candidates running for a seat. They’re all strong, and they all have support from a significant number of people. One candidate gets 32%, one candidate gets 33%, and one candidate gets 34%. Well, that means the public is roughly equal between who they support for that race. But that candidate who gets 34%, wins the whole thing,” said Chand.

The Green Party, Reform Party, Libertarians, Constitution Party, and Natural Law Party are among the most active third parties in the United States, each having their share of presidential candidates in recent elections. Despite their efforts, winning elections remains a challenge due to the entrenched power of the two major parties and stringent electoral regulations. 

“We’re in a very, highly polarized and partisan environment. So the ability in that environment for a third-party candidate to have an impact, especially at the national level, is very slim. It’s much more difficult for a third-party candidate to be successful now than in 1968,”

said Chand

Though they are well represented in other states, the Green Party encounters comparable obstacles in Ohio. The Green Party is not without its challenges in the political arena, despite its reputation for emphasizing environmental and social justice problems. Still, their presence here reminds us that other voices are important in influencing politics.

“When I got involved in the Green Party, I had just come out of being a mental health case manager. I was elected to head the union, and I realized that nobody consults us,”

said Anita Rio, member of the Ohio Green Party

“-And the result of that is that we have a system that does not serve our communities. So with that mindset, I took a look at what is going to fix this problem for our community.”

Federal campaign funding restrictions present extra obstacles for third-party candidates because they tend to favor candidates affiliated with major parties. Furthermore, strict guidelines determine who is eligible to participate in presidential debates, frequently keeping outside candidates out of the conversation. 

“Do you know how many (Greens) Ohio has? Zero,” said Rio. The difference is the laws that govern how you get on the ballot as a third party. Here in Ohio, it’s almost impossible to do it on a consistent basis. No third party has been able to maintain party status by the rules that the Democrats and the Republicans set up except for the Green Party and we were only able to do it once.”

Despite these barriers, the conversation around voting for third-party candidates is gaining momentum among many Americans. As the upcoming election approaches, this debate holds significant implications for the nation’s political landscape and the potential for broader representation beyond the traditional two-party system.

According to their research, 61% of respondents believe a third party is necessary. Since 2013, 57% to 60% of respondents have shared a similar view. While only 34% think the Republican and Democratic parties suffice.

Many Americans desire additional political parties to choose from, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2022. The viewpoint is supported by about 39% of respondents who agree strongly or very much, 32% who agree slightly, and 28% who do not agree at all. 

“I understand that people are frustrated at the two-party system. If you look at polling, the majority of people say they don’t like either party,” Chand said. “I understand that, but a lot of people think it’s because we have very powerful political parties and they keep third parties from developing. That’s not true. We have some of the weakest political parties in the world, in this country. That’s why the political parties are not very cohesive.”

The existence of third-party candidates indicates what is possible in terms of change outside the boundaries of the two-party system as the political environment changes further. Their willingness to try new things and their willingness to disrupt the status quo make you wonder about the limits of traditional politics. 

While considering whether to take the gamble and cast a vote for a third-party candidate, one must decipher the desire for change against the practicalities of the electoral process. So, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to venture beyond the confines of tradition and embrace the potential for change? The future of our democracy rests in our hands, and the journey is ours to figure out.

“Whenever you find a green party, you won’t find paid staff in a party apparatus. You’re going to find community members who are activists first,” Rio said.