How to vote when you don’t like either candidates
Alright, let’s talk about the senior elephant in the room.
Dissatisfaction with both political candidates is definitely within the realm of possibility when a nation has historically had a dual party system. This election, in particular, has been plagued by voter dissatisfaction. Both candidates are more mature and are faced with greater than 50% disapproval in polls. So, what to do then? Some have gone the third-party route, while others will inevitably choose to sit this one out. However, what is truly essential during the selection process, yet often neglected, is to be fully cognizant of each candidate's agenda. When voting, we are not simply voting for one singular leader; we are voting in an administration. While the representative chosen by the party is, without a doubt, important, what is more essential is a holistic understanding of the party’s plans and policies.
Each federal election has the power to change the makeup of Congress, meaning that whether or not you like the presidential candidate is not entirely crucial because the composition of the House of Representatives is made up of 435 other members. Both President Biden and former President Trump have teams of advisors and party members that will either support or temper their plans. If the team as a whole seems more aligned with your beliefs, then you know whom to vote for.
The Bottom Line
Studies done by Professor Shanto Iyengar and Masha Krupenkin have shown that what people dislike is at times a greater determinant of voting behavior rather than what constituents actually support . This can be greatly exacerbated by a lack of knowledge about the actual policies that are planned to be implemented. There is a general notion of the constellation of ideas each candidate might stand for. According to polls, the most pressing issues to Americans today are inflation, healthcare, immigration, and jobs (in that order). The wars abroad are determining factors as well because they further stress the allocation of resources that constituents feel are being misused. Resources they feel could instead be funneled into the aforementioned issues. Hence why we are now seeing an upward trend of negative sentiments towards support for allies in their wars abroad.
So how should we vote in 2024?
The answer may be nauseatingly trite, but the best way to vote is to first be informed. The presidential candidates may be the most present in media, but they are part of a much larger and more complex picture that has the capacity to affect even the most mundane and minute aspects of our daily lives. Our vote is not just for one representative, but the message and plans their entire administration has put forward.
Both candidates have websites that break down the plans of their respective parties. Vote based on what best represents your beliefs and whom you trust to follow through with their plans.
Democratic administration platform: https://whitehouse.gov/build-back-better/
Republican administration policies: https://rncplatform.donaldjtrump.com/?_gl=1*1o5t8lu*_gcl_au*NzY1Njg3OTI3LjE3MjEyOTczOTA.&_ga=2.177892065.530730463.1721297390-1385831796.1721297390