Voting between two bad choices

The concern about the choking limitations of a two-party system is not new, and many feel it leads to polarization and reduces nuanced debate. I’ve said often that the choices are like “choosing between explosive diarrhea and fatal dysentery.” Here are several strategies that can help broaden the electoral playing field:

1. Promote Ranked Choice Voting (RCV): One of the primary fears in a multi-candidate race is the “spoiler effect”, where a third-party candidate takes votes away from a more popular candidate, potentially leading to the election of a less-favored candidate. RCV allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the first-choice votes, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated and those votes get reallocated according to voters’ next preferences. This continues until a candidate surpasses the 50% threshold. It encourages a wider range of candidates because voters can support third parties without fearing they’re wasting their votes.
2. Support Multi-Member Districts: Instead of having one representative for one district, multi-member districts would elect several representatives. This can be combined with a proportional representation system, where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them. This would allow third parties to gain representation even if they can’t win a majority in any one district.
3. Campaign Finance Reform: The cost of running for office can be prohibitively high, which often benefits established parties with significant funding. Reforming campaign finance can level the playing field, allowing candidates from various backgrounds and parties to run competitive campaigns.
4. Open Primaries: Some states have closed primaries where only registered party members can vote. Open primaries allow any registered voter to participate, which can give more moderate candidates a better chance and reduce polarization.
5. Engage in Grassroots Movements: Local elections and grassroots movements can have a substantial impact. By starting at the local and state levels, new parties or independent candidates can gain momentum and experience, building credibility for higher offices.
6. Educate and Engage the Public: The more informed the electorate, the more likely they are to support a wider range of candidates. Encouraging civic education and engagement can break the cycle of voting for the “lesser of two evils.”
7. Support Independent Media: Media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception. Diverse and independent media can give third-party and independent candidates a platform to share their views.
8. Eliminate or Reform the Electoral College: Some believe the Electoral College system favors the two-party status quo. By reforming or eliminating it and adopting a direct popular vote, there might be a broader space for third-party candidates in presidential races.
9. Reduce Barriers for Third Parties: Current rules can make it challenging for third-party candidates to appear on ballots or participate in debates. Advocating for reduced barriers can make it easier for diverse candidates to be seen and heard.
10. Civic Engagement and Advocacy: Encourage citizen involvement in civic groups, community organizations, and other non-partisan entities that promote good governance, electoral reforms, and democratic values.

While it’s challenging to break the established dominance of the two-party system, continuous effort and commitment to democratic reform can gradually introduce more choices into the U.S. electoral landscape.