Well, folks, it’s Election Day here in New York City and across New York State!
And who did I vote for in the New York gubernatorial election? Jonathan Makeley.
Will he win? I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll see what happens.
In fact, if I’m being honest, I think we’re probably going to see another Democratic victory. Because that’s what it seems like year after year, election after election. Democrats, Democrats, Democrats. It feels like nobody else ever gets a chance to break through.
But that’s a tangent for another day.
Here’s the thing: Even if Jonathan Makeley doesn’t win, I didn’t cast my vote for nothing. I voted for him because I wanted to send a message.
We need more options. We need more choices. We need more political parties and more candidates willing to run for elected office.
And I don’t just mean the governor’s race. I’m talking about ALL elected positions. Local, state, and federal. City Council, mayor, state legislature, Congress, governor, and beyond.
Why should our political choices constantly feel like they’re limited to Democrats and Republicans? Why should someone have to feel like they need to vote for one of the two major parties simply because the alternatives supposedly don’t have a chance?
I want to see more parties represented. I want to see more independent candidates. I want to see more people with different ideas, perspectives, and platforms actually have opportunities to compete.
And yes, I understand that third-party candidates face significant obstacles. Ballot access, fundraising, media coverage, voter awareness, and the tendency to treat elections as a two-party contest all play a role.
But how are things ever supposed to change if people never get the opportunity to vote for something different?
And that’s part of why I voted for Jonathan Makeley.
Now, whether he wins or loses, that’s ultimately up to the voters. But I wanted my vote to reflect something beyond simply choosing between the two dominant parties.
New York, we need more political diversity. We need more competition. We need more choices.
And honestly, year after year, it feels like New York State and New York City keep shutting the door on alternatives. Third parties and independent candidates deserve the opportunity to compete, and voters deserve to have those options.
I’m tired of feeling like our elections are just the same two-party conversation over and over again.
Maybe one day we’ll see something different.
Until then, I cast my vote, sent my message, and exercised my right to choose.
Happy Election Day, everyone!