this post was submitted on 01 Apr 2024
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Top of ticket candidates obviously matter, but voting in primaries, down ballot and local elections can have significant impacts. I know it's trite, but the only answer is vote in every election you can. Voting for better candidates in smaller races can and will eventually work it's way up to the top of ticket races.
A recent example would be both the democratic primaries in 2016 and 2020. While yes the more progressive candidates lost, their strong showings did help push the national party further left. Bernie's message in 2016 has endured and grown in popularity nationally in the last decade.
When it comes to state and local elections, there are constant stories about right wing zealots (Mom's for Liberty and the like) using school board and local elections to expand their power and influence.
I know it's unpleasant, but you need to vote. If your state allows mail in voting, sign up for it. You can get your ballot, research the candidates and make more informed choices. Personally I'll spend about an hour with the ballot researching the down ballot races and judges and the like.
And if you're particularly motivated, volunteer for candidates. Your time can be an invaluable resource if you want to support better policies and candidates.
Sorry if this got a bit long winded, but apathy and non-participation is effectively a vote for the status quo. Political change can be slow and uneven but can only be gained with persistent effort.
I wasn't really clear, but apathy is absolutely not my position. You can't vote your way out of the system because so much more is required.
I always vote, it's a very low-effort way to have a tiny bit of influence. I'm also in Canada where the system is a bit less worthless, for what that's worth. But I don't come home from the polling station all proud that I've done my part.