Gary Swing raises important concerns about ballot access and electoral fairness, but his proposals, however thoughtful, won't be adopted in time to affect 2026 elections.
We need to distinguish between two separate issues.
First, minor parties like the Greens understandably want nominees who genuinely reflect their values. That is largely an internal party matter; major parties, too, sometimes face insincere candidates in their primaries.
Second is the “spoiler” effect. While its impact is debated, it's plausible that minor-party candidates can influence close outcomes. Ironically, a sincere Green candidate may be more likely to draw votes away from a major-party candidate than a “sham” candidate who lacks real support.
In a close race, voters may respond strategically. Some may even support an insincere candidate in a Green primary to reduce the likelihood of vote-splitting in the general election.
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In the real world of 2026, such trade-offs cannot be ignored.
Green Party write-in candidate for state representative in LD7
Richard Grayson
West side
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