The Green Party is often described by political pundits as left of center.

Environmental protection is a major concern for Greens. Other party platforms include universal health care, a $15 minimum wage, abolishing the drug war and death penalty and granting legal status to undocumented immigrants.

"Our platform isn't limited to environmental sustainability; we believe in the restoration of actual democracy, an end to the continuous wars in the Middle East, the surveillance state and mass incarceration, as well as systemic oppression targeting people of color, women, the LGBTQIAA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, ally) community, the poor and homeless and people with disabilities, among others," party spokeswoman Martina Salinas said via email.

The party lists its 10 key values: Grass-roots democracy, social justice and equal opportunity, ecological wisdom, non-violence, decentralization, community-based economics, feminism and gender equality, respect for diversity, personal and global responsibility, and future focus and sustainability.

The Green Party does not accept corporate funding, Salinas said, and its candidates often come from backgrounds other than politics.

"The Green Party represents a departure from politics as usual," she said. "We are comprised of normal Americans, living and fighting to stay afloat like everyone else - not career politicians."

josephine.musico@lubbockonline.com

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