Sixty-three percent of Americans say a third U.S. political party is needed, up from 56% a year ago and by one percentage point the highest in Gallup's 20-year trend.
Story Highlights
Third time support has exceeded 60%, along with 2017 and 2021
Republicans primarily behind the increase, with 58% now in favor
Political independents remain group most likely to favor third party
How would you suggest elections be made “fair for all parties”? Hell, just look at republican primaries or basically all the California recall debates for what happens when you let complete randos use televised debates to advertise their personal brand.
Ranked Choice comes up and, while there are definite concerns over it making the “crazy second choice” candidate too viable, I generally like it.
But also? We already more or less have that. Both major parties (I think also most of the “independent” parties?) have a primary where party members can select the nominee from those running. And, in a lot of cases, that results in the eventual winner shifting to cover some of the runner up’s policies as a concession. And… that basically is the same end result. Because I am not going to pick Biden first, trump second. I am going to pick Biden first, Bernie second, etc. I would theoretically prefer to have unaffiliated voters (or even everyone) be able to engage with those primaries but also understand how that would be abused.
Personally? I am a big supporter of better education on how the government works (and why local and state elections are actually much more important than presidential…), removal of the electoral college, and general efforts to re-enfranchise voters.
I believe the only reason a “crazy second choice” exists is because we have such limited options to choose from when voting.
With rank choice voting, more candidates could run within a party without competing for votes because you would be able to vote for all of your favorite people in order without worrying what party they fall into.
We could vote for people we like instead of voting to avoid the person we hate.
But also? We already more or less have that. Both major parties (I think also most of the “independent” parties?) have a primary where party members can select the nominee from those running
Those are a formality…
There is no law that would force a party to run the person who won their primary.
After the last couple of years, I struggle to understand how people think that’s “good enough”.
How would you suggest elections be made “fair for all parties”? Hell, just look at republican primaries or basically all the California recall debates for what happens when you let complete randos use televised debates to advertise their personal brand.
Ranked Choice comes up and, while there are definite concerns over it making the “crazy second choice” candidate too viable, I generally like it.
But also? We already more or less have that. Both major parties (I think also most of the “independent” parties?) have a primary where party members can select the nominee from those running. And, in a lot of cases, that results in the eventual winner shifting to cover some of the runner up’s policies as a concession. And… that basically is the same end result. Because I am not going to pick Biden first, trump second. I am going to pick Biden first, Bernie second, etc. I would theoretically prefer to have unaffiliated voters (or even everyone) be able to engage with those primaries but also understand how that would be abused.
Personally? I am a big supporter of better education on how the government works (and why local and state elections are actually much more important than presidential…), removal of the electoral college, and general efforts to re-enfranchise voters.
Primaries are nothing like ranked choice voting in the outcomes they produce.
I believe the only reason a “crazy second choice” exists is because we have such limited options to choose from when voting.
With rank choice voting, more candidates could run within a party without competing for votes because you would be able to vote for all of your favorite people in order without worrying what party they fall into.
We could vote for people we like instead of voting to avoid the person we hate.
Those are a formality…
There is no law that would force a party to run the person who won their primary.
After the last couple of years, I struggle to understand how people think that’s “good enough”.