Is this logic flawed? Obviously in swing races, vote how it’s needed, but if it’s probably going to be a landslide, why not vote for a third party? Some regions even allow for multiple party representation if enough people show interest, so it could be doing future good (if you think more parties is better representation)
Because people look at the popular vote totals. Generally they don’t really look at the .3% the gray party got. But again, I think it’s all about what signals you want to send. Unfortunately, the electoral college makes it so most votes have little practical impact even in close races.