The polls have seen a rise in support for third party candidates due to dissatisfaction toward both major party candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

A third party candidate is a runner who does not belong to one of the two main US political parties, the Republicans or the Democrats. Libertarian party candidate, Gary Johnson, and Green party candidate, Dr.Jill Stein, have been largely considered for commander-in-chief. Some wonder if these candidates are a reliable alternative or if they have a chance at winning.

CBSnews.com found 55 percent of voters have a negative opinion of Clinton and 69 percent have a negative view of Trump.

“Personally, I think we need a third party candidate because so many people in our nation are against both of the candidates. I think it would really help the election this year and maybe elect an amazing president for the upcoming years,” Emily M. ‘19 said.

According to The New York Times, Johnson polls at 10 percent, his supporters men and women under 50. Stein polls in at about one percent, a .7 percent rise since 2012 for the Green party. Both candidates poll in ways independent runners haven’t since Ross Perot did in 1992.

While there is an increase in support, evidence shows it is highly unlikely an independent can win, as no one outside the major political parties has ever won.

“As much as Americans want independents to win, there are institutional obstacles like getting on the ballot in all 50 states, overcoming Republican and Democratic machines with their ability to raise money and presidential candidates need 18 percent to attend presidential elections,” Tyler Shaw, U.S. history teacher, said.

According to The Washington Post political scientists believe an independent runner could never win because of Duverger’s Law, the idea that the way an electoral system is constructed determines how many competitive parties a country is likely to have. There is only one seat to be won, so the election is geared towards a two party system.

Republican, Democratic or liberal, only time will tell how this battle for candidacy will play out.