Though Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein may better align with a voter’s views, it is not a wise decision to vote for either of these third party candidates. Especially in an election as crucial as this, a major party must remain undivided by third parties in order to win the presidency.

By voting for a third party candidate like Johnson or Stein, votes that could have gone toward Trump or Clinton may instead go toward a less viable candidate. This in turn may negatively affect the major party candidate that holds similar views to the voter. For example, if a person votes for Jill Stein rather than the slightly less liberal democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, the voter is essentially giving votes to Trump because the Green Party is not likely to gain as much support as a major party.

Voting isn’t as cut-and-dry as supporting the candidate whose beliefs best reflect those of the voter. Though the two major party candidates may not be your cup of tea, one is likely more favorable to you than the other. And it is in the voters’ and candidates’ best interests if people vote for presidential nominees who are the most likely to be elected.

By voting for a major party candidate, voters have a stronger voice. Major parties have more money, more support, and therefore have a better shot at winning an election than third parties. When a vote is cast for a major party candidate, that voter’s influence on the election is more significant than a person who voted for a third party because third party candidates are unlikely to win. Vote for one of the two possible winners, not a candidate who pulls votes from a possible victor.

A vote, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is a citizen’s chance to affect their future. In a democracy, suffrage is the ultimate freedom of speech; it is guaranteed to citizens in order to mold policy to the majority’s beliefs. Though the system is not ideal in the sense that all views are not advocated equally, voting citizens must work with what they have. And the way the system works is not to vote for a candidate that best aligns with a voter’s views, but rather a choice between major party candidates. So in this election avoid silencing your voice, avoid voting for Stein or Johnson.

Compromising on the presidential candidate may seem like giving up one’s freedom of speech, but there are other important elections occurring on November 8. On election day, ballot questions will also be voted on. Outside of Election Day, candidates running for local offices and policies affecting state and town governments are voted on. If it is change you want, the president is not the end all and be all of your voice. Research local officials running for offices and the ballot questions. Elections for local officials or voting on ballot questions will allow you to truly vote your conscience. But don’t be afraid to sacrifice your vote in the presidential election for the greater good.