How come US third parties never get elected to national level but at the local level they succeed? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by TankovayaDiviziya@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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I am aware of the first-past-the-post system, but UK and Canada also have the same but their third parties gain national/federal seats.

In the US, it's always either Democrats or Republicans. There are third parties on state and county level but never succeed on the national level. How come? Is the electoral college somehow impeding third parties?

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[-] Pronell@lemmy.world 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Ross Perot had a shot in 1992 but blew it by promoting conspiracy theories (that may have even been true, who knows) about Republican infiltration at (iirc) his daughters wedding.

And the split in the vote let Bill Clinton beat the incumbent Bush.

The only way a third party takes a seat is when they capture the attention.

Locally, that's easier. Less people to win over, you get to focus on local accomplishments, etc. But national you need to become the national conversation or too many voters wouldn't know who you are.

[-] mipadaitu@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

Also, not all races are contested by both Democrats and Republicans. Sometimes the third party is the only one running for a position, sometimes it's just one third party vs the Republican.

Local races are significantly different.

[-] themeatbridge@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

Ross Perot never had a real shot. The ruling parties would not have permitted it.

[-] Pronell@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

Maybe so. But he's a good example of someone getting 'close' nationally.

this post was submitted on 11 Nov 2024

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