Wasting Your Vote?
Would you ever cast ballot for a third-party or independent candidate for president?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who comes from a family steeped in the history and tradition of the Democratic Party, announced this week he will run for president in 2024 as an independent.
Third-party or independent candidates for any high office seldom get elected. But their presence in the race can draw off voters from Democratic or Republican nominees. For example, some observers consider Texas billionaire Ross Perot’s third-party run in 1992 to be a key factor in Democrat Bill Clinton’s win over incumbent President George Bush.
Still, most voters are reluctant to vote for third-party or independent candidates, especially for president. They see it as “wasting” their vote on a candidate who can’t win.
We want to know what you think. Would you ever consider voting for a third-party or independent presidential candidate? Have you ever voted for one? Or is it just wasting your vote?
Send your response (50 words maximum) to opinion@texarkanagazette.com by Wednesday, October 18. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504 or drop it off at our office, 101 E. Broad St, Texarkana, Ark. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday’s paper.
Last Week: Fireworks and Minors
Last week’s question was about a proposed ordinance that would keep those under 18 from owning or possessing fireworks inside the Texarkana, Arkansas, city limits. Should those under 18 be allowed to buy or possess fireworks within the city limits? Do you believe the ordinance can be effectively enforced?
No child under 18 should be allowed to buy or possess fireworks. However, ordinance would be difficult to enforce, since parents, over eighteen friends would continue to buy fireworks for them. — R.K., Texarkana, Texas
From facebook.com/texarkanagazette
• The city needs to provide more data that proves this is an on going issue that is causing a true concern beyond this one situation. The rest of the city shouldn’t be punished because of 1 incident. If the city can’t provide more evidence that then they are wasting their time and resources which can be put to better use.
• Like most crimes, enforcement occurs after a crime occurs but allows charges and conviction of offenders like those who aimed fireworks at police, including parents and merchant. Merchants not selling to minors will prevent some problems.