The prospect of Democrat Hillary Clinton or Republican Donald Trump in the White House has some US voters expressing frustration with having to pick between “the lesser of two evils”. Not everyone is going that route, however. A third-party option is becoming more appealing to Americans disillusioned with the major candidates and the two parties they represent.

Supporters of third-party candidates suggest they want to diversify the political field, and now is the time to do it. But critics say third parties have so little traction that supporting them would be a “wasted vote” amid such high stakes.



So, is the 2016 election environment helping or hurting third parties in the United States? Join in on our Twitter chat at 19:00 GMT using #3rdPartyStream.

On this espisode of The Stream, we speak with:



Darrell Castle @DarrellCastle

Presidential nominee, Constitution Party

castle2016.com



Rosa Clemente @rosaclemente

2008 vice presidential candidate, Green Party

rosaclemente.net



Ray McKinnon @raymack2009

Delegate, Bernie 2016

raymack2009.com



James McCann @JayMcCann

Professor of Political Science, Purdue University



What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.