As candidates and voters alike gear up for the 2014 elections, a few candidates are choosing to think outside the two-party-system box that only has room for Republicans and Democrats.
Unlike those in the main parties, people running as third-party members face an uphill battle when it comes to elections and making an imprint wherever they go and also with whomever they talk to.
“Being in the third party puts you at a disadvantage anywhere you choose to run,” said Abe Alassaf, who unsuccessfully ran for Athens mayor in 2012. “It is also almost necessary of you to educate others on what exactly the ideals and beliefs of third party candidates are, since there are fewer members of this party compared to the major parties.”
Not only do third-party candidates face the setback of having to educate members of the public on what they stand for, they are often excluded
from debates.
“Ballot access is a disadvantage when being in the third party, as well as not being allowed to participate in debates,” said Chase Withorn, the former president of Students for Liberty.
The Libertarian Party typically emphasizes free speech, open markets and small
government.
“Distinguishing yourself amongst all of the other candidates is a challenge in itself,” said Alassaf, who also ran for Athens County treasurer as a libertarian in 2012.
The biggest difficulty the libertarian party faces is winning over votes from those who are used to voting for the Democratic or Republican parties, said Scott Pettigrew, a spokesperson for the Ohio Libertarian Party.
“This could be a battle that we will have to fight for several more years to come,” Pettigrew said. “And because we all understand that, we will not give up what we have worked so hard to achieve thus far.”
When asked whether or not he regretted running, Alassaf said, “No, I do not regret running. Yes it is slightly upsetting, but it is understandable I did not win due to the disadvantage as running in the third party and at my age as well.”
He added, “There are more [elections] to come, which is always a good feeling.”
ms624412@ohiou.edu
