I've seen people debate this endlessly, but I've never seen anyone on the side of not voting explain anything beyond "I don't want to support genocide" as if the republicans aren't just as gung ho about killing children. What is the utility in not participating in the election? What do you think not voting will achieve?
I'm already planning not to vote for Republicans.
I pay careful attention to local races and evaluate every candidate because I believe voting to be a civic rssponsibility.
But my fundamental principle when choosing who to vote for is not tactical, but moral. I will not vote in support of people that I believe will perpetuate injustice in the world.
You aren't sending a signal and you certainly aren't making the democrats commit less genocide.
Voting downballot but making no choice for president sends a very clear signal. The DNC just decided they didn't need the uncommitted vote and they're probably right.
Voting democrat is the lesser evil and will have actual positive results for people living in the US, and it isn't mutually exclusive with other ways of enacting change.
I disagree on principle. Voting for a lesser evil is still voting to perpetuate evil. At best, it maintains an intolerable status quo, and it comes from a fear of the radical change that we know is sorely needed. "Lesser evilism" is conservatism.
Do it.