Many voters are dissatisfied with the choices they face in the 2016 presidential election. Hillary Clinton is viewed unfavorably by as much as 55 percent of the electorate. Donald Trump’s unfavorable percentage is even higher, at over 60 percent. Under these circumstances, many voters in noncompetitive states may find an typical path the best option to avoid an unacceptable vote for either of the two major party candidates. Simultaneously, these voters may have a long-term positive impact on future elections.

Sixty percent of voters live in noncompetitive states. In these 34 states the Electoral College votes are predetermined because the states are so overwhelmingly red or blue. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are certain of who will win in each of these states. The votes cast by the minority red voter in a blue state or the minority blue voter in a red state will make no difference in the election outcome.

This creates an opportunity for minority blue or minority red voters in each of these 34 states. Those voters should vote strategically by casting their ballot for either Gary Johnson (Libertarian Party) or Jill Stein (Green Party). Again, there will be no impact on the election outcome, but a tremendous potential long-term improvement in the election process.

Minority red voters in California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington could vote for Gary Johnson, and minority blue voters in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming could vote for Jill Stein, and the election result would not change.

Voters currently stressed by the quandary they face who vote this way may feel better about the vote they cast. They currently feel they are forced to vote for the lesser of two evils. Voting strategically in the manner suggested relieves them of that burden without affecting the current election.

The stranglehold of the two major parties on our electoral process has delivered two candidates widely seen as unacceptable. These two parties block third-party candidates and thus reduce the potential for a more diverse discussion in elections. The power of the two-party system can be diminished only through expansion of third-party power.

Currently, third parties are challenged to even participate in presidential debates. By voting strategically in this election in the 34 nearly uncontested states, voters will considerably expand third-party power. In 2020 third-party candidates will have a seat at the table with guaranteed participation in presidential debates.

The Libertarian Party advocates personal and economic liberty, small government and fiscal conservatism. To learn more about that party visit http://www.lp.org. The Green Party advocates peace, social justice, ecology and diversity. To learn more about that party visit http://www.gp.org.

— Dan Gallagher lives in Osterville.