Third party candidates usually have the effect of pulling votes away from a major party candidate. While they can sometimes attract a segment of voters who might otherwise support one of the major parties, their presence in the election can lead to a reduction in the votes received by those parties. This can ultimately affect the overall outcome, especially in closely contested races. Third party candidates may also influence the policies and conversations in the election, but their most direct impact tends to be in drawing votes away from the major candidates.
What effect do third party candidates usually have on presidential elections?
increasing support for a major party candidate
reducing the overall number of citizens who vote
pulling votes away from a major party candidate
improving the overall tone of campaign messaging
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