Final answer:
People tend not to vote for third parties in major elections because they are viewed as non-viable, major parties absorb their popular issues, they may be perceived as radical, and a winner-take-all system and apathy dissuade strategic voting for them.
Step-by-step explanation:
People often do not vote for a third party during major elections for several reasons. First, third parties are frequently seen as non-viable options, leading voters to feel that their vote might be wasted on a party with little chance of winning. The media and political polls often emphasize the lead of major parties, influencing voters to cast strategic votes for those perceived as potential winners, thus reinforcing the two-party system. Second, major parties might absorb popular third-party issues, reducing the unique appeal of third-party platforms. Third, some third parties are viewed as radical, which can lead to a distorted public image and less popular support. Lastly, a sense of apathy or belief that their vote will not make a difference in the outcome of an election can discourage people from voting for third parties, especially in winner-take-all election systems.