Political disclosure

[cema]

I have voted early, for the Libertarian ticket. (As well as a number of local issues.)

Rationale. On the one hand, I am unhappy with the candidates of the major parties and the way the parties conducted the selection process. On the other hand, I think there is a chance to raise the visibility of Libertarians in particular and third parties more generally. Also, in a non-battleground state like Massachusetts where I happen to live now this helps to fight off the feeling that my vote is wasted, even if it is.

Comments

[sergeyoho.livejournal.com]

Selection process is called "primaries", there are clear rules that worked in a reasonable way before. I suspect that you blame the "parties" but the problem is deeper. People are unhappy with the "system". They don't want another "center-left" or "center-right" politician. Not only in the US. In France, in the UK, even in Germany.

[cema.livejournal.com]

I am not unhappy with the "system", I simply do not like the way the selection process went, including the primaries. The way the US government works is that local government has a lot of power in deciding the local affairs, and for a while the country can leave without a close guidance from the top office. In the past it was even more so.

[sergeyoho.livejournal.com]

I understand that you are not. But a lot of people seem to be unhappy. Why else they voted Trump on primaries and not someone, say, more conventional? Why a lot of people voted Sanders?

I interpreted your point about the selection process as unhappiness about primaries system,.But maybe you had in mind something else.

[cema.livejournal.com]

Yes, Trump, and to a smaller extent Sanders, invited a lot of the protest vote. "Protest" does seem to be the theme of the year.