I actually voted for a third party candidate in 2020 because I knew I could do it without supporting Trump and didn't feel either candidate represented my views.
I was only able to do that because I knew my vote wouldn't ultimately matter in my state's contest though.
In score or ranked choice voting I could both articulate my actual preference in a way that was publicly visible and still make the strategic vote(s) I needed to get the least bad of likely options.
FPTP is one of the least expressive voting systems you could have, and it is objectively terrible for third parties. This isn't a controversial opinion, it's what that vast majority of political scientists agree with.
Third parties are irrelevant in American politics and will continue to be unless we change our voting system (and campaign finance).
I was only able to do that because I knew my vote wouldn't ultimately matter in my state's contest though.
In score or ranked choice voting I could both articulate my actual preference in a way that was publicly visible and still make the strategic vote(s) I needed to get the least bad of likely options.
FPTP is one of the least expressive voting systems you could have, and it is objectively terrible for third parties. This isn't a controversial opinion, it's what that vast majority of political scientists agree with.
Third parties are irrelevant in American politics and will continue to be unless we change our voting system (and campaign finance).