In this period, we are seeing political changes occurring throughout our country. Growing dissatisfaction with the two major parties and desire among many people for more favorable politics, has caused many people to increasingly turn their activity towards the various minor political parties which exist in our country. The 2016 election saw a significant increase in votes for minor party and independent candidates. Votes for presidential candidates other than the Democratic and Republican candidate went from 2 percent in 2012, to 6 percent in 2016. Many minor parties have seen increased membership and increased election results. This trend seems to have continued in 2017, and there have been various successes for minor parties in 2017.

The Democratic and Republican have seen a number of elected officials leave their parties to become independents or minor members of minor parties. In 2017, 9 different state legislators in the country left the Democratic or Republican Parties to become independents or minor parties. New Hampshire now has 3 Libertarian state legislators and Maine now has 2 Green state legislators. There have also been minor party and independent candidates who have won special elections into state legislatures. Write-in candidate, Emilio Vasquez, was elected in Pennsylvania, Independent, Janelle Sarauw, was elected in the Virgin Islands, and Working Families candidate, Joshua Hall, was elected in Connecticut.

Numerous Minor Party candidates won local elections this year.

The Green Party elected 51 candidates for various local offices in the country. The libertarian party elected 33 candidates to various local offices in the country. The Constitution party elected 2 candidates in Utah.

Independence, Reform, and Upstate Jobs party candidate, Ben Walsh, was elected Mayor of Syracuse, New York. The fifth largest city in New York State.

A Democratic Socialist backed independent candidate was elected to a judicial post in Pittsburg.

A Conservative Party candidate was elected Town Supervisor of Lima New York.

In Rushford, New York, Liberty Party candidate for Town Supervisor and one of its candidates for town council were elected.

Beyond these electoral victories, minor parties have also made various accomplishments this year. For instance, in the Reform Party candidate for Mayor of Buffalo got second place. The Socialist Alternative Party candidate for Ward 3 City Council in Minneapolis, set a city record for fundraising, and came close to winning election. The Prohibition Party has been reestablishing state party organizations in various states, including New York, Alabama, and Missouri.

In addition, minor parties are working on their preparations for the 2018 elections, which will include running candidates for state offices and congress. Elections for governor in multiple states will affect the future state party recognition status of minor parties. Time will see how well the various minor parties and their candidates will fare in the 2018 elections. Though, if the trends in their favor continue, and the momentum of 2016 and 2017 carry forward, they could very well see increased successes.