If the whole point of a democracy is to represent the voice of the people, then why do so many Americans have a hard time engaging in politics? More than half of American citizens say that the two major political parties are doing a poor job representing the people, and partisan views keep getting more divisive. Staying engaged in politics can be a challenge when campaigns, advocacy groups, and candidates don’t align with our political views. Would a third major party solve the problem? In this podcast episode, we look at why American politics have become so polarized, and we explore how to stay engaged in politics when neither party feels like a good fit.

Thanks to listeners Jeff, Cydne, Alex, Troy and Noah for sharing their stories in this episode.

Podcast Guests:

Robert Saldin, Professor of Political Science, University of Montana

Jon Schaff, Professor of Political Science, Northern State University

Richard Davis, co-founder of the United Utah Party, author of "Beyond Donkeys and Elephants: Minor Political Parties in Contemporary American Politics."

Pastor Fred Garry, Senior Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, NJ

Evan Malbrough, fellow at the ACLU of Georgia, board member with The Andrew Goodman Foundation.