This election cycle has brought two of the most unpopular candidates in United States history to the forefront of their political parties just ahead of November's presidential elections. Countless voters are finding themselves in a no-win situation as they are under the impression they have to choose the lesser of two evils. But here's the catch. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton aren't the only candidates on the ballot.
Meet Gary Johnson and Dr. Jill Stein.
Johnson, a member of the Libertarian party, looks to make America sane again in fervent opposition to Trump's platform and popular slogan "Make America Great Again." Johnson's glaring opposition to the presumptive Republican nominee has been evident from the start, openly referring to Trump as a "pussy" on multiple occasions. Paired up with former Massachusetts governor William Weld, the two proud two-term governors look to give Trump a run for his money in an effort to sway the trust of uncertain Republican and Independent voters.
Stein, a former physician now-politician, also looks to gain the trust of voters looking for a more appealing option. After Bernie Sanders apparent defeat by Clinton, Stein began to reach out to dissatisfied voters looking for an option outside of the options currently being offered to them by the Democratic and Republican parties. This isn't her first rodeo, either. Stein ran for president back in 2012 as well, but didn't earn nearly as much attention from voters as she has in recent weeks.
The candidates' desire to thwart the two-party system has grabbed the attention of thousands of voters craving an alternate option than what establishment politicians have given them. Since Sanders' apparent defeat, Stein has been climbing in the polls, polling at 10% at one point nationally. Johnson has been gaining in the polls as well, feeding off of conservatives' fears surrounding Trump's potential instability. What was once a two-party race has now become a race for four.
Johnson and Stein, however, are unlikely to ever debate either Clinton or Trump before votes are cast in November. Their exclusion from the public eye is something both candidates are committed to fighting in an attempt to abolish the current two-party system existing in United States today. The influence these two major parties on the media has kept these third party candidates in the dark long enough, but their growing popularity likely won't make a difference.
Remember, it doesn't have to be a two-party race if you don't want it to be. Vote with your conscience and don't bind yourself to party lines.