Election math 101: why your vote counts; A) 10 voters; 4 vote "R", 4 vote "D", 2 abstain. The vote is split 50/50; B) 10 voters; 4 vote "R", 4 vote "D", 2 vote "L". The vote is split 40/40/20. By voting third party, dissenting voters can deny the winner a 50%+ or greater claim to winning