Why Do Libertarians Vote?

Voting for the lesser of two evils is far from ideal, but the necessity of doing so does not negate the importance of concise and principled stances. Libertarians, those who believe in minimal government intervention and individual freedom, often find themselves in a complex position during elections. Here, we explore the reasoning behind why libertarians cast their ballots and how this act shapes their values and principles.

The Lesser of Two Evils?

It is a common statement that voting for the lesser of two evils means you’re still voting for evil. However, for many libertarians, the strict ideological alignment is less about which candidate is perfect and more about which is the least detrimental. For example, some libertarians might vote for members of the Republican Party (GOP) because the Democratic Party may push for policies that infringe upon personal liberties and individual choice.

In many cases, libertarians find that the GOP occasionally affords more opportunities to advocate and work within the system to implement libertarian principles.

Affective Voting and Personal Prejudices

Voting in the U.S. is often driven by personal feelings and prejudices rather than a deep understanding of policy. For instance, someone might vote Republican out of a strong belief in certain constitutional rights, like gun rights. On the other hand, someone might vote Democratic due to a preference for socially liberal policies. However, when confronted with the broader principle of freedom and individual liberty, an individual might begin to question their preferences and align more with libertarian values.

Independent and Principled Voting

An independent/libertarian voter often finds themselves in a unique position. While a purely libertarian party may push for policies such as ending abortion, sodomy, and open borders, these issues are often debated within the broader ideological framework. For many libertarian voters, the most important factor is limiting government interference and ensuring personal freedoms.

While ideally, every election would allow for a pure libertarian candidate, in practice, this is rarely the case. Recognizing this, some libertarians turn to the major parties, like the GOP, to support candidates and policies that align with their broader principles of freedom and limited government.

Voting as a Form of Resistance

The act of voting is not just about choosing a candidate but also about expressing an ideology and making a stand against government overreach. Voting for liberty and freedom helps highlight the importance of these values to both the electorate and policymakers. This stands in contrast to living under government tyranny, where such principles are ignored or suppressed.

Libertarians understand that individual votes, while seemingly weak, can collectively have a significant impact. By voting, libertarians contribute to the broader goal of limiting government intervention and protecting individual rights. This is particularly crucial as the government has grown increasingly complex, with policies that often infringe on personal freedoms.

Equality and Respect for Liberty

The principle that every individual should have the right to make choices about their own life, without unnecessary interference from the government, is a cornerstone of libertarian thought. Advocating for this principle on a personal level can help foster a culture where others also respect and protect this freedom.

Libertarians often see themselves as independent and resistant to those who seek to take control of their lives. This resistance is not a call to violence but a call to resist the expansion of government power through the ballot box and public discourse. Effective voting is a means to maintain and protect freedom in the face of potential tyranny.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the act of voting can sometimes be frustrating and feel like a compromise, for libertarians, it is a means of expressing their core values of limited government and individual freedom. By aligning with the major parties or independent candidates, where the opportunity arises, libertarians can work towards a society that respects and protects liberty. This principled voting helps preserve the principles that are central to the libertarian movement.

Libertarians, therefore, vote not out of despair or a belief in the lesser of two evils, but out of a commitment to liberty and an understanding that any vote towards freedom is a step in the right direction.