Imagine a world where politics isn’t a battle between two sides, but a conversation among several viable parties about what is best for all of us. Because with only two big national parties, we often treat politics like a team sport. We cheer for “our side” and root against the “other side” without stopping to ask whether our leaders are truly serving the public good. This mindset — where party loyalty trumps good governance — harms our democracy, deepens division and leaves voters stuck in a broken system.
In Utah, this dynamic is especially problematic. The Republican Party dominates nearly every level of government, creating a political monopoly that stifles accountability and competition. Many Utah Democrats hope to challenge this monopoly, but the truth is that too many Utahns refuse to vote for a Democrat. Meanwhile, disillusioned Republicans and independents are far more likely to support a third-party candidate than a Democrat.
The solution? Break free from partisan loyalty. Supporting a third-party alternative, like the Utah Forward Party, offers a real opportunity to hold Republicans accountable. Third parties bring fresh ideas and force entrenched power structures to adapt. They empower voters to focus on the policies, values and qualifications of candidates — not just their party affiliation.
We need to reject the toxic “team sport” mentality in politics. Blindly voting down party lines undermines democracy and allows unqualified candidates to win without earning our trust. Imagine a system where every vote matters, competition thrives and leaders prioritize solutions over partisanship.
Utahns have the power to lead this change. By supporting the Utah Forward Party, we can create a political system that values accountability, collaboration and good governance. It’s time to stop playing games and start putting our country — and our state — first.
Daryl Henry, Clearfield
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