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Minor Parties in US Make Gains in Local Elections

Durin Hendricks

   WASHINGTON - While Democrats and Republicans dominate U.S. political
   headlines, scores of smaller parties dot America's landscape and, at
   times, have a major impact on national, state and local elections.

   Some of these parties echo America's past, like the Prohibition Party,
   founded in 1869, which has long opposed consuming alcohol. America's
   many minor leftist parties include the Socialist Party USA, founded in
   the 70s. More recently, the American Solidarity Party, a Catholic party
   advocating pro-family policies, was founded in 2011.

   The 2016 elections saw several third parties attract their highest-ever
   presidential vote totals at a time when many Americans expressed
   dissatisfaction with both major party candidates. The Libertarian
   party, which advocates for lower spending and taxes, saw the biggest
   leap in support as presidential nominee Gary Johnson received 4.5
   million votes, nearly triple his 2012 total.

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