Third party presidential candidates have been historically frozen out of the political process. While these contenders remain within their rights to run, they often lack the funding, press coverage, and attention that goes to politicians running as either Republicans or Democrats.

Within recent years, polls have shown a growing number of Americans becoming disillusioned with both of our nation's major political parties. Many people feel that neither side represents them, yet both are failing to govern effectively.

Despite this sentiment, the perception that third party contenders have no chance of winning meaningful elections is still alive and well in the United States. However, a recent poll shows substantial public support for these candidates to have a place on the presidential debate stages.

The latest from Americans on third party presidential candidates

Earlier this month, the country learned that Trump and Biden - the defacto presidential nominees - will partake in two debates ahead of the November election. However, notably not included in the upcoming events is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. RFK Jr. is currently running for president as an Independent and has bemoaned his lack of inclusion in the debates.

As it turns out, most of the electorate shares his concerns. Harvard CAPS/Harris reports that 71% of voters agree RFK Jr. and other third party contenders deserve a place on the debate stage, provided that they meet certain qualifications.

Over the years, both the Republican Party and Democrat Party have faced accusations of intentionally working to freeze out Independents, Libertarians, and other third parties.

Mark Penn co-directed the aforementioned poll and explained the support for giving third party runners a seat at the table. According to Penn, voters want to "hear it all," rather than only getting to hear from the Republican and Democratic nominees.

This could take a while to happen

Despite the strong support for third parties to hold a more active presence in our nation's politics, bringing this to fruition could take some time. Neither the GOP nor the Democrat Party has any incentive to welcome additional rivals who would take votes from them. Ironically, this is one of the few issues that both parties can wholeheartedly agree upon.