To many Americans, the presidential election comes down to a decision between two candidates, or two parties. The American voting system is often thought of as bipartisan. However, there are generally more than two presidential nominees in the running, who belong to parties other than the Democratic or Republican. These nominees are known as third party candidates. These candidates often represent less common stances on important issues, yet still speak for a somewhat large percentage of Americans.

On Election Day, candidates representing three different third parties will appear on the ballot for Douglas County. They are Bob Barr and Wayne Allyn Root of the Libertarian Party, Ralph Nader and Matt Gonzalez of the Independent Party, and Chuck Baldwin and Darrel Castle of the Reform Party. But how much do voters actually know about these candidates and how will that effect their vote on November 4, 2008?

Henry Bernberg, senior, Northbrook Ill. stated that he knew a moderate amount about third party candidates. But as to whether he felt that it was important to know about them, Bernberg said, “It’s very important. But not in this country. They don’t stand a chance. In most other democracies there are sometimes up to 9 parties running.” This will definitely affect Bernberg’s vote in the upcoming election. “If I felt it wouldn’t cost the party of the two candidates that have a chance, I would vote with my conscience. It comes down to the question of ‘Am I hurting the greater good by voting with my conscience?’” he said. Rechelle Payne, freshman, Pillsburgh Kan. said she knew very little about third party candidates. “They’re not very advertised, but it’s very important to know about them. You have to have options and I would vote for one if they spoke to me.” Payne stated. Tyler Holmes, freshman, Overland Park and Legislative Policy Assistant of the Student Legislative Awareness Board, who have been registering students to vote on campus over the past few weeks said he is seriously considering voting for a Third Party candidate. “I know a fair amount about them. It’s difficult when you’re not being bombarded with information. I know about Bob Barr, Nader, I know who McKinney is and I think it’s unfortunate, once again, to have to choose between a lesser of two evils.” Holmes said. “I will vote and encourage others to vote and to make a statement with that vote. It will take time until there are enough people to elect a third party candidate, but I can see it happening, possibly within our lifetime.” Holmes stated. Peter Langwith, freshman, Omaha Neb. said “In the grand scheme of things, I know my vote wouldn’t matter. I just don’t see a third party candidate being elected.”

Ignoring the probability that a candidate will win or lose, how important is it to be well informed on candidates other than those offered by the two major parties? Alex Earles, sophomore, Salina Kan. stated “Personally, I don’t follow them closely. I’m a registered Republican.” He added that he still believes they deserve to be looked at. Holmes said he feels there should be a “real option.” “We shouldn’t blindly choose who’s Republican or Democrat. Someone who has the guts to come outside of the two-party system, and has the knowledge and wherewithal to run for high office and get any attention is worth knowing about.” he said.

Many students feel that the perceived lack of information about third party candidates is a problem caused largely by media and money. “Main news stations need to show that there are more than two parties. I’ve seen nothing on CNN, Fox News, or in the New York Times. The problem is, since they don’t tell people there are choices, people don’t pay attention.” Bernberg stated. “The first I heard about Nader running for president was that he was speaking at Abe and Jake’s - nothing from the media,” he said. Many mainstream news sources have been pressured to give more coverage to third party candidates. According to an article by Alicia C. Shepard of NPR news, Ron Elvin, senior Washington editor for NPR, responded to complaints on lack of coverage of third party candidates. He stated that their coverage “will not amount to much more than a small fraction of the coverage devoted to the two major parties’ nominees. This is in keeping with what we believe to be the level of interest in these candidates on the part of our listeners.” Many students believe that funding is a problem for third party candidates. “Third party candidates don’t get as much recognition because of money. They lack a major party backing them. America is based on a two party system and it’s just what people are used to.” Earles said. “The internet can help get their information out there. There’s more free blogging and doesn’t cost as much.” he added.

Most students can agree that being informed about candidates is an important part of voting. Whether or not a voter feels this includes every candidate on their ballot, or only the two major party candidates is up to them. And that decision in itself can not only effect who is America’s elected president, but can challenge or support our current politcal party system.