With our winner-takes-all elections consigning them to the margins or casting them as spoilers, third-party candidates are typically a political afterthought. But in the coming election, RFK Jr., Jill Stein, and Cornel West—none of whom stand a chance of becoming our next president—could play a central role in restoring Donald Trump to the White House. With the former president making his autocratic intentions for a second term clear, potential supporters of outsider candidates must decide if this is the moment to vote against the two-party system, or if it is more important to directly weigh in on Joe Biden and Trump’s high-stakes rematch. Their choices might determine not only the outcome of the election—but the fate of the country.

A photoillustration of Robert Kennedy Jr. as spoiled fruit—with mold covering the left side of his face.

Will RFK Jr. and Other Third-Party Candidates Help Doom Democracy?

It’s tough to break the partisan duopoly without empowering spoilers.

Ralph Nader in 2008

Ralph Nader Would Like to Stop Having to Explain Why the Spoiler Coverage Is Stupid

A conversation on third-party politics with the former presidential candidate.

Candidates stand on four podiums arranged like stairs and filled with voting ballots. The man on the lowest podium is walking away.

America’s Voting System Is the Worst, Thumbs Down

It's time to upgrade how we choose our leaders.

Photo collage featuring third party candidates from the last 190 years.

Outside Influence: A Third Party Timeline

Discover a high-stakes history of righteous outrage and electoral opportunism.

Surreal illustration of a kneeling man, whose hands are angry, barking dogs

The Spectacular Implosion of the Libertarian Party

Eight years ago, America’s third-largest party had its best-ever showing. Then came the fallout.

Collage featuring Jill Stein and Cornel West intermixed with ballot graphics.

Your Turn: Mother Jones Readers Sound Off on Voting Third Party

"Why screw up the most important election in a century?"

 

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This is how change happens.

One story at a time.

This investigative reporting takes time too. Months of research. Weeks of writing, editing, and fact checking—and putting together the photography, art, video, and audio that tell the stories in a new way, illuminating new perspectives and voices.

We can afford to take our time because we don’t report to oligarchs or corporations. We report to you, and for you.

And the stakes are high. Democracy is on the defense. We’ve been exposing corruption and scandal for five decades, and this is a pivotal moment in our country’s history. Will democracy prevail? We won’t wait for time to tell—independent journalism is essential for democracy, and we’ll keep doing our part to amplify the free press.

So, we’re asking: Will you join the fight? Mother Jones has been here for 50 years, and we need your support to fuel the future of investigative journalism. Mark our 50th anniversary with a gift of any amount.

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