Optimistic thinking! But I’m afraid such protests are futile for many reasons. The biggest issue is that refusing to vote has no visibility; it is not like a real protest or real activism. You simply disappear in numbers small enough to not matter, and those in power will continually claim the power until contested.

There is no reconciling with those in power through pacifism. History teaches us this time and time again. Continue to vote while you can, and remember Trotsky’s ideals for when things go bad.

1. Never trust the ruling class
2. Control your leaders
3. Have confidence in your own abilities

Our system is pretty broken, but if you’re given a lever to pull (voting) you may as well pull it. There is no benefit to be gained from opting out.

I see more posts preemptively bringing up bothsidesism than bothsidesism itself.