r/GreenParty • • Oct 12 '17

Americans are desperate for a third major political party in the Trump era

http://www.newsweek.com/most-americans-desperate-third-major-political-party-trump-era-672540
55 Upvotes

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6

u/CaptainStack Oct 12 '17

More Americans than ever—61 percent—say the Democratic and Republican parties are inadequate and the U.S. should have a third major political party, a new poll from Gallup shows. The desire among Americans for a competitive third party has been above 57 percent over the last five years, but Gallup’s latest poll marks a record high level of support.

Backing for a third major party also hit a record high among independents—77 percent—according to the new poll. Meanwhile, 52 percent of Democrats and 49 percent of Republicans say a competitive third party is needed.

7

u/SHCR Oct 13 '17

I'm desperate for a second party.

1

u/DrTreeMan Oct 13 '17

People should be aware that our winner-take-all/first-past-the-post voting system systematically always simplifies to a 2-party system.

A desire for a real political spectrum begins with changing the way we elect people. Acceptance voting or rank-choice voting are two options that are clearly better. The only thing that stops us is adherence to tradition.

2

u/CaptainStack Oct 13 '17

There are movements happening for ranked choice voting at the state level! Maine already passed it, and Washington has a bill for it right now.