I have been proud to engage in the electoral process since I was old enough to do so and have participated (in many actively and avidly) in every election I've ever been registered for. In the past two years (since I last voted) I have realized that EVERY political contender on the ballot has already been bought by "big $$$"...so why bother? Democrat or Republican identifiers (and the realization that the concepts of dichotomy and "zero-sum game" are effectively false) and "ideals" are NOT enough when, once in office, none actually represent "constituent" interests...only "big $$$" interests.

For the first time in my adult life, I refuse to vote. I will continue to refuse as long as dichotomous options are all that are available to vote for. Until then, I will believe this concept of American "democracy" is merely a false amelioration of the masses.

You're right about the money, the reality. But there is a larger moral issue at stake. To disengage from a process others used to fight and die for a chance to do is regressive, not progressive.

Your reasoning is valid. It's just not sound. Vote because you can. Because Gramma Jean, you, I and all the women and girls we know, know how hard it's been for our half, and because G needs a good example of someone making effort for other voters, if not for moneyed interests or representation.

We know the deal. Even if your heart's not in it.
Vote anyway. Like every little thing has consequences we can't see, voting is a good thing that you do.