During this presidential election cycle, many voters are spending hours watching debates and trying to pick between two major candidates they do not like. Many do not realize they can vote for a third party, or they believe a vote for a third party is a waste; any vote for a candidate they do not like is a wasted vote. While there are a few different options for third party candidates, the two most successful are Jill Stein for the Green Party and Gary Johnson for the Libertarian Party. Many people have heard about what Gary Johnson supports, but few know what Jill Stein's platform is. Upon searching her website, it is easy to find information about her "Power to the People" plan. This plan contains 12 key points all centered on giving power back to citizens and improving the United States.

Starting with the obvious point within the Green Party, Jill Stein plans to implement "A Green New Deal". According to her campaign site, Jill2016, this plan will, "Create millions of jobs by transitioning to 100% clean renewable energy by 2030, and investing in public transit, sustainable agriculture, and conservation.". Jill Stein believes climate change is a serious threat to society and plans to halt climate change with her actions and new regulations about energy extraction. In addition, Jill Stein supports GMO labeling and wants to protects natural parks and marine habitats.

Separate from environmental changes, Jill Stein wants to fix the economy. Stein plans to create new jobs and raise the federal minimum wage to $15/hr. She believes in breaking apart Big Business and forcing the rich to pay their fair share of taxes. In other words, she wants to end financial suffering off all people, including abolishing student loan debt for college students and providing tuition-free public universities.

Additionally, Jill Stein wants to restore human rights for all and supports peaceful relations. Stein wants to officially end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and cut military spending by 50 percent. Stein plans to reform voting laws and restore constitutional rights for all citizens. Also, Stein supports demilitarizing the police force and the legalization of marijuana. In addition, Stein believes in expanding women's rights, protecting LGBTQIA+ rights, and reforming the immigration system.

So while Americans navigate the political world this fall, it is refreshing to know there are far more options out there. Anyone with doubts of wasting a vote on a third-party candidate should remember Abraham Lincoln was a third-party candidate.