Thursday, August 11, 2016

In a Quandary? - Vote Strategically

Most voters are dissatisfied with the choices they face in the 2016 presidential election.  Hillary Clinton is viewed unfavorably by as much as 55% of the electorate.  Donald Trump’s unfavorable percentage is even higher at over 60%.  Under these circumstances many voters in non-competitive states may find a non-typical path the best option to avoid an unacceptable vote for either of the two major party candidates.  Simultaneously, these voters may have a long term positive impact on future elections.

Sixty percent of voters live in non-competitive states.  In these 34 states the Electoral College votes are pre-determined because the states are so overwhelmingly Red or Blue.  Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are certain of who will win in each of these states.  For the minority-Red voter in a Blue state or the minority-Blue voter in a Red state the vote they cast will make no difference in the election outcome.

This creates an opportunity for minority-Blue or minority-Red voters in each of these 34 states.  Those voters should vote strategically by casting their ballot for either Gary Johnson (Libertarian Party) or Jill Stein (Green Party).  Again, there will be no impact on the election outcome, but a tremendous potential long term improvement in the election process.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

The Voter Quandary

A large portion of the electorate faces a quandary in the presidential election.  Quandary is defined as “a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.”   The tension voters feel from this quandary increases as the November election draws nearer.  The need for a decision to relieve that tension is pressing.  What is a voter to do?

The voter in the 2016 presidential election is faced with flawed candidates from the two major parties.  Polling consistently reflects an electorate that is unenthusiastic about either candidate.   Hillary Clinton is viewed unfavorably by over 50% of the electorate.  Donald Trump’s unfavorable percentage is even worse at nearly 60%.  One recent poll reported Clinton at 55% and Trump at 63% unfavorable - unprecedented in a presidential election.

Faced with such an undesirable choice many voters are looking for alternatives.  In the extreme there are rumors of Hillary Clinton’s health issues forcing her out to be replaced by Bernie Sanders.  On the Republican side it is rumored Trump will quit the race to be replaced by a rescuing hero/heroine riding in on a stallion.  These far reaching scenarios are very unlikely near fantasies.