When I am out and about, I hear a very frequent refrain about local politics. I dont care for either of them. Well, in some races, you have another choice.

You might have a lasting effect by voting Libertarian. In the races for governor and for senate, polls show very tight races. Pundits are saying that any significant vote for the Libertarian candidate could force the two major candidates into runoffs. One of the majors will wind up winning, but they will know that you are not satisfied with their politics!

There is a public service race with no Democrat. Incumbent Doug Everett is facing Libertarian John Monds. In this race, the Georgia Libertarian Party has a chance of collecting a significant vote total. Several other races have Libertarian candidates. So you are not locked in to the Democrats or Republicans.

The three candidates for governor include the incumbent Republican Nathan Deal, closely pursued by former presidents grandson Jason Carter, and the Libertarian Andrew T. Hunt. The senate race is currently polled as a draw between David Purdue, a cousin of our former governor, and Michelle Nunn, daughter of former senator Sam Nunn who has chosen not to use her married name. They are opposed by Libertarian Amanda Swafford. Another contested race is for insurance commissioner in which the incumbent Republican Ralph Hudgens of Madison County who is facing Democrat Elizabeth Johnson and Libertarian Edward T. Metzs. In each race, you have an option of writing in a candidate.

The 9th district congressional race includes the incumbent Republican Doug Collins and Democrat David Vogel from Madison County. There are a couple of state Constitutional Amendments on the ballot that no one seems to be interested in.

There is one contested Madison County race between incumbent District 5 commissioner Jim Escoe, a Republican, and Democrat Clyde Verhine.

So, if you feel that one of the major candidates can effectively support your opinions, by all means vote for that candidate. But, if you are among those who are convinced that neither of them is a suitable representative of your opinions, you can express your displeasure by voting for a Libertarian or writing in someone you think will better support your opinion.

No vote is wasted. Even a vote for someone who obviously has no chance of winning will at least make your opinion known.

Frank Gillispie is founder of The Madison County Journal. His e-mail address is frank@frankgillispie.com. His website can be accessed at http://www.frankgillispie.com/gillispieonline.

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OPINION: You might have a lasting effect by voting Libertarian