We have learned about the democratic system since the sixth grade. We have learned that there are two parties: Democrats and Republicans. So what are these other names doing on our ballots? Are they a ploy to confuse us younger voters, or are they potentially giving us a way out? We are told consistently throughout life, that it is our civic duty to vote. If you do not vote in the election, then you have no right to complain about the outcome. If this is the case, and we know that we all love to complain, then why not just vote?

In George Washington’s farewell address, he urged the newly forming country to avoid political parties and siding with one candidate at all cost and that it will ultimately divide out country and result in a far less democratic situation. Boy, was he right. It is like good ole’ George could predict the future or something. Since that point in 1796, we have broken almost every guideline Mr. Washington tried to give us. Ooops… As the political parties become more closely or further aligned with one another, there is one thing they will always have in common: THEY SUCK. Politics suck, candidates suck, and most of the time when we vote, we will be choosing the candidate that is a “lesser of the two evils.” Yay, democracy, am I right?

America is founded on some simple truths: that is a country formed by immigrants, known for having a standard for freedom, and that we are a country of the people for the people. If these facts are true, how is it even possible to pick one of the candidates in this election? Both equally break some of these “guidelines” or “standards” for America. So what do we do now??? People say that a vote for a third party is a vote wasted. Well to whoever says that I politely say, “SCREW YOU.” A vote is a vote. You are completing your civic duty. And maybe, just maybe one day that third party will come out on top, and all of us millennials who don’t like either of the main candidates will say “ I told you so,” right to your flabbergasted face.

I am voting for a third party because I want to fulfil my civic duty as a citizen of the United States. I am voting for a third party because I do not want to be on either of those trains that will eventually crash. I am NOT for bashing other people to win. I am NOT for lying, cheating, manipulating, and spending other people’s money to change my opinions on a subject.

I am for democracy, freedom, and everything that America is supposed to represent.

Just remember when deciding to vote, or who to vote for that that voting third party is not a waste. No matter how many people will tell you that, or that they will tell you that your candidate will never win. Who the heck cares? Whether you’re a millennial, or just sick of where this country is headed, we are all good at one thing: Doing the opposite of what older people tell us. Be rebellious, be yourself, and vote for a candidate you want. As long as you vote, it is not a waste.