This is a perennial debate that arises over third-party candidates. The question is, should one “throw away” one’s vote on a candidate who can’t win or vote for a candidate who is merely the lesser of two evils? I’m afraid I have no magic formula that will get voters off the horns of this dilemma.

Personally, I consider the possibility of a Bush presidency an exceptionally ugly prospect and so would not be inclined to throw away my vote just to make a gesture that will ultimately have no measurable effect. But this, as I say, is just my personal inclination.

NOTE: Though this answer concerns a long-past election, it’s a question that may have to be faced in any election.

ID: 502
posted: 31 Oct 2000
updated: 27 Dec 2002