Some voters hold a grossly ill conceived notion of third party voting.

They don’t want to waste their vote. They think no matter who is in office, policies will remain corrupt and unchanging. They think parties that step outside the traditional ideals of Democrats and Republicans are fleeting phases, doomed to the same short-lived fate as the Populist Party.

For as long as I can remember, I was lectured on the tradition and importance of the two-party system. At home, during history classes and in the media, Republicans and Democrats ruled the political world. I came to think of the Republicans as the big business defenders and the Democrats as the poor man’s friend. However, lately I have noticed they may both be after the same chunk of cash. Regardless of what side the fence voters sit on, they should take a closer look.

The Green Party, the Reform Party, the Independents, the Libertarian Party and other alternative party candidates are poking their progressive, green-minded and sometimes radical ideals into more elections. They may be offering the change we have been looking for – we just have to take it.

To consider your vote for a third party politician a “throw away” or a “waste” is a dangerous step. It is sacrificing your right to choose, the most important privilege Americans have.

Minnesota Gov. Jessie Ventura proved that change is possible, as well as hundreds of other small town politicians who have taken local governments by storm to show third parties are not come-and-go radicals.

More are coming out of the woodwork. Carl Estabrook, Green Party candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives and Green Party candidates Julie Samuals and Jason Farban for the Illinois House of Representatives are keeping the movement going. The concept that these politicians could even make it on the ballot was preposterous a few years ago. Now, they are not only on the ballot, but they are gaining tremendous support.

And, running is not always about winning. Sometimes, it’s about letting people know you’re playing the game. This summer, I worked along side many campaign organizers for Ralph Nader, the former Green Party presidential candidate. Some of them knew Nader would not win, but they never thought the effort was in vain. For many, the campaign was about introducing young people to politics, opening their eyes to more progressive thinking, letting the public know young people care, and most importantly that young people vote. Though Nader lost the election, he allowed the voice of Greens to be heard across the nation.

You cannot throw away your vote on a cause if that cause is just and worthwhile.

Third parties bring a choice. Politics is no longer conformed to black and white. It does not have to be a decision between the lesser of two evils. It doesn’t have to be a choice between two candidates who have their hands in the same bag. It’s well known that big businesses donate to both Republican and Democratic campaigns to get what they want. The donations lead to both parties taking strikingly similar stands on the big money issues. With the issues like war, global warming and unfair business practices, do we want corporations pulling the strings of people in office from behind the scenes?

I urge voters to resist the misconception of third parties. Listen to the candidates and decide for yourself who to vote for. But do not be afraid to exercise your choice for the person you truly think is the best person for the job.

*Melissa Nielsen is the Campus editor and monthly columnist

for The Daily Eastern News. Nielsen also is a senior journalism major.

She can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]