Bruce Caldwell: Voting Libertarian not a waste

Because Gary Johnson will not win, some argue that voting Libertarian is a “wasted vote.” I disagree.

Voting Libertarian is a protest vote against both major parties. No matter which of their flawed candidates prevails, one can register disgust with our “choices” by voting Libertarian. If enough do so, the winner will be less able to claim a “mandate.”

By voting Libertarian the voter knows what policies the party stands for, namely, a fiscally conservative and socially liberal platform. According to polls, many Americans, especially independents and millennials, favor such policies.

With Trump as nominee, what does the Republican Party stand for: the rule of law or the rule of Donald Trump? Which Hillary Clinton will you vote for, the one cozy with Wall Street or the one who wants to soak the rich?

Both candidates practice crony capitalism, from different sides of the government-business divide.

A Libertarian vote helps guarantee a place for the party on the ballot going forward. It is a step toward breaking up the two-party shared monopoly that has given us Trump and Clinton.

Finally, when it is all over, whoever is elected president, a voter can say, “don’t blame me, I voted Libertarian.” A bumper sticker to be proud of!

This story was originally published October 22, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Bruce Caldwell: Voting Libertarian not a waste."