… about whether or not another person actually votes and in someone growing weary of hearing about it. It's a mistake to confuse the two or to draw conclusions by conflating the two.

I feel the same way as the OP. The so-called "conscience voters" whose "vote is not for sale" are merely seeking attention and having a tantrum. They're feeling fearful and helpless and frustrated. They are likely seeking validation from other like-minded individuals, or they want to regain some sense of control by engaging with others who feel obligated to try and talk them down.

Ugh. What a waste of time to indulge their vanities. Why reward bad behavior? It only encourages more of the same. At its most base level, that type of behavior reminds me of a toddler having a fit at the candy rack of the grocery store. They know they've lost the battle, yet they persist because the parent gives them attention.

It doesn't matter that the attention is negative, it's attention and that's good enough. The child "forced" the parent to do something, to respond, and that's apparently all they need to feel as though they're in control of an uncontrollable circumstance.

So, when a frustrated toddler threatens to hold their breath until they turn blue in the face, I say LET THEM (for all the good it will do). At least when they pass out, they'll be quiet.