A discernible pattern indicates that while minor candidates may have a substantial effect in crucial battlegrounds, they simultaneously encounter a more skeptical audience, due to a prevalent belief among voters that casting a vote for these candidates is ineffectual.

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There is kind of an irony for these non-major party candidates. They might feel like they have a particular leverage (in close battlegrounds). On the other hand, voters are less willing to give them the time of the day (in those states).”

“The balance between the two major parties has grown so close and the Electoral College always seems to be teetering and the differences between the parties has gotten so vast, voters are now less willing to gamble on minor party candidates,”

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Will a third-party candidate play a spoiler role in Wisconsin? Here are some reasons to doubt that