It's no secret that the upcoming presidential election has left many Americans with a feeling of disillusionment. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party's nominee, is hated by many for her extensive track record of dishonesty and immorality. Republican nominee Donald Trump, on the other hand, has shown pure, unfiltered bigotry throughout his one year political rise. Potential voters are fearful for the future of this country, and are unsure where to turn to show support. This is significantly paving the way for support for third parties, namely the Libertarian Party and Green Party.

The problem with modern American politics is that it has become a fight for the lesser evil. This system is starting to burst at the seams with the rise of voters wanting to vote for somebody that they love more, instead of hate less. Many people on the left are turning to more progressive nominees, such as Jill Stein of the Green Party, Gloria La Riva of the Party of Socialism and Liberation and Monica Moorehead of the Workers' World Party. More moderate or right-wing voters are turning towards the growing Libertarian Party with Gary Johnson. People of color, working class families and members of the LGBT+ community are noticing the fraud and deception that both major parties stand for, and realize that in many ways a vote for a Democrat is not much better than a vote for a Republican.

Many liberals throughout this election have tried to bully leftists/progressives into voting for Hillary Clinton, telling others that they must do anything to defeat the "more evil" candidate. But when did the qualifications for voter support become "not Donald Trump?" Shouldn't the leader of the world's most influential superpower be held to a higher standard? There is no problem in personally wanting to vote for one nominee to keep the other out of power, but there is also nothing wrong with feeling morally obligated to give your vote to somebody that truly embodies your vision for America.

American politics isn't bound to only two parties due to overwhelming support for only Democrats and Republicans. The system has stuck due to the incredible struggle any other party has to overcome to be listed on a ballot in most states. Although there are dozens of recognized third parties in the United States, many never even receive mention on news outlets. Many Americans don't realize the true variety of options already in existence, because many don't even receive a line on a ballot. Most states have different requirements for addition to ballots, and some are extremely difficult to meet. The first step to growing third parties is to destroy the limitations that currently hold them back.

One of the most widely perpetuated myths in American politics is that of the "wasted vote," stating that any vote that does not support one of two major party nominees is wasteful and unimportant. However, the reality is quite the opposite. A vote for a third party often means a vote for a candidate that you truly believe in, and often a heavily deliberated vote. To vote third party is to show support and build strength for the emergence of a party into the mainstream. This election has provided major rise for the Green Party, especially after Bernie Sanders' endorsement of Hillary Clinton. Green Party Nominee Jill Stein has an almost identical platform to that of Bernie Sanders, and many progressives are leaving the Democratic Party to vote Green. Third party votes are not wasted, even despite the extreme statistical improbability of a third party victory in the presidential election. Voting for a candidate you believe in sends a message to the establishment that you are tired of the manipulation at the hands of the two major parties and are ready for change.

For those who look towards America's future with optimism rather than bitterness, it is important to remember that there is always an option that can reflect your hope. The most important thing we as American citizens can do is vote for or show support for the leader we believe in, even if people's scare tactics try to stand in our way. The only wasted vote is an uneducated vote.