Still new here and trying to figure things out. Regarding voting, I'd like to get some feedback on some thoughts I've had.

I get that voting D/R is pointless since Ds just seatwarm for Rs at best, and actively implement R policies at worst. They have no incentive to work for left policies, and R policies will ultimately benefit them personally.

That being said, we're "punished" for not voting D by getting an actual insane R in office. If Rs are in control its way worse, right? or, maybe it has to get worse to get better?

So what is the dominant strategy here for National elections? My personal vote is extremely minor and unimportant so keeping that in mind, I can:

  1. not vote - Lower participation rate shows I don't endorse the system, and if enough people don't vote, does it mean anything?

  2. vote third party - I like this idea since, although super unlikely, it gives more pressure to D and R to moderate (lol) as neither want to lose power. Write in votes aren't going to turn in to anything big without some serious organizing, but I don't know if there's ever been a serious attempt to organize a mass write in campaign? Or if there will even be a viable third party candidate in 2024?

  3. vote D - 🤮

  4. Something else?

I haven't seen this discussed much in the short time I've been here so maybe I'm missing something obvious or misunderstanding something above, so would appreciate any help. Maybe the real answer is it really doesn't matter, but would like to make the best limited choice I can

  • Melonius [he/him]
    ·
    1 year ago

    I think you're right, I might be overthinking it and the vote brainwashing is a bit hard to silence.

    Our votes only matter as part of a group, an organization, or a movement

    Are there any of these that you're aware of? I just know of R and D really. Is there even a viable alternative?

    • BurgerPunk [he/him, comrade/them]
      ·
      1 year ago

      No viable electoral alternative nationally. But if you're specifically interested in voting, you should shift your focus locally. You may want to check out DSA. They sometimes back candidates or even run members

    • Tomboys_are_Cute [he/him, comrade/them]
      ·
      1 year ago

      The thinking here is more "X group is voting as a block and expects this list of things from this candidate, if they do not do these things they will lose the support of our group going forward." These days this is the domain of mostly right-wing white church groups but in the past (and potentially again!) unions would also do this. So like, your 1 vote doesn't matter as much as 100 people in a group voting as a block.

      • BurgerPunk [he/him, comrade/them]
        ·
        1 year ago

        Thanks this is what i wanted to get across. If we had a real labor movement, it would be fine to engage with electoral politics through it. But vote ing just to vote doesn't really matter