Letter to the Editor

Voting one's conscience is not a wasted ballot

I am sick and tired of being told that I waste my vote because I refuse to vote for either of the two big parties. I have voted Libertarian (or for other third-party candidates) for more than 12 years and have been proud to do so. I have had many people tell me that I waste my vote by doing so, and I cannot believe the audacity of some people. I vote my principles and conscience, and they vote for the "lesser of two evils," and I "waste my vote"? How do they figure? Those who feel they must vote for the "lesser of two evils" are the folks who waste their votes.

Voting one's conscience, principles or attitude is far from wasting a vote. If your conscience tells you to vote for either of the two big parties, for the Libertarians, the Green Party, Constitution Party or an Independent – do it. Voting for evil, lesser or not, is wasting a vote. There are far more choices out there – don't vote for evil of any kind.

As John Quincy Adams said, "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

MATTHEW EVANS Fort Wayne