With an election lacking good choices, many people are looking for an alternative path. There are many people who feel stuck, because while they believe they should vote, they don’t want to vote for either of the major candidates. This article is for those looking for a way out. There will be three names on the ballots in all 50 states: Hilary Clinton (D), Donald Trump (R), and Gary Johnson (L). Who is that last guy, and what does the “L” stand for? Well, that’s what I’m here to explain. Gary Johnson is the Libertarian candidate, a party you have probably heard of, but likely don’t know much about.

The Libertarian stance is actually a lot easier than the political maze that is the Democratic and Republican platforms. If it doesn’t hurt anyone, it’s allowed. Now, that’s simplified some, but not by much. Marriage equality is a non-issue, because so long as both members are consenting adults, the government should not be involved. Transgender issues are not the government’s business, because nobody— without your consent— should have any right to know or judge what’s inside your pants. It doesn’t matter what the politician’s individual beliefs are, because the Libertarian Party believes that everyone has a right to live their life however they choose. If you disapprove of gay marriage, don’t marry someone of the same sex. It’s that simple. It isn’t anything goes, but the first question on these issues is whether it is the government’s business at all. If not, then the government stays out of it.

This also applies to the economy. There are some restrictions on industry, because workers and consumers should not be harmed if it can be reasonably avoided. Other than these, businesses are free to operate under the free market system. With the government not interfering, they are able to succeed or fail on their own merits. Not only does the government stay out of businesses, but it also stays out of the ordinary citizen’s lives as much as possible. Taxes are necessary, but the Libertarian Party aims to keep them low and fair. Gary Johnson advocates for a consumption tax that replaces income and property taxes. This takes out the complicated forms and procedures and has your taxes reflect what you purchase. If you don’t buy much, then your taxes will be lower than those who purchase more in either quality or cost.

Gary Johnson is the 2016 candidate for the Libertarian Party. While he used to claim that he was a Republican, his history has consistently reflected Libertarian traits. His first slogan was “People Before Politics,” a slogan that all politicians these days could stand to think about. He has been described as “incapable of bullshit,” which gains him more trust from the people he works for. Due to how well he handled his position as governor, he was popular enough to be elected for his full eight years in a state that was Democratic two to one. When the Cerro Grande Fire occurred, he helped to inform the authorities of where the fire was spreading, and even did what he could to stop small fires from growing. He has climbed all Seven Summits, including Everest on a still healing broken leg. This is a man that I would passionately support in an ordinary election, but particularly in an election so devoid of good choices.

Now, I know that a lot of people think that voting for an independent candidate is akin to not voting. And with the system set up to strongly favor a two-party election, I can see how it would seem that way. However, there is actually a feasible way that Gary Johnson could steal the presidency out from under Clinton and Trump’s noses. It’s called a contingent election, and it says that if no candidate gets the majority (currently 270 electors), the vote goes to the House of Representatives. If Gary Johnson can get at least one state, this scenario suddenly shifts the way that the election will go. Now, getting an independent even one state is difficult. But he currently has 13% of the vote in polls. If that can get up to 15%, he will be admitted into national debates, which will help to raise his popularity, possibly high enough for the contingent election to happen. He could really have a chance this year, and every vote matters.

For those who aren’t planning on voting, please come out and give your vote to Gary Johnson. If you are only voting for Trump to keep Clinton out of office or vice-versa, vote for Gary Johnson instead. It could do the same thing, with less of a bad aftertaste. If this article is appealing to you and you think that you are willing to try a system that keeps the government out of your bedroom and out of your bank account, vote for Gary Johnson. It is not a wasted vote. This could be the year when we take back the power to choose a better option. Democracy is government led by the people. So, people of the United States: make sure your voice is heard. Make your vote matter. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are more than happy to keep you trapped with them.

For more information on Gary Johnson:
Check out his website: http://www.johnsonweld.com
Check out his Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwd5DpsBdHQ203lTj...