A counter would be that if people have to be badgered into doing it it's maybe not so healthy.

Withholding your vote is valid - ofc why you do that can be positive or negative wrt democratic health.

I disagree.

In Russia in 2024, Vladimir Putin got 87% of the vote, with 78% reported voter turnout, far higher than in any US election. Do you think that signals that Russian citizens value democracy and want to keep the current process, where Putin invariably wins by a landslide?

I'm not saying that people shouldn't get out and vote if they feel so moved. But voter turnout isn't intrinsically good or bad, nor does it signal a healthy democracy.

What DOES signal a healthy democracy?

- Meaningful electoral choice, including the choice of minor-party candidates. Ranked-choice voting can help here, because it's not as susceptible to vote spoiling as the "first past the post" system currently in widespread use in the US.

- Non-gerrymandered districts. Independent review and judicial checks and balances can help.

- Electoral competitiveness, where incumbents and established parties can realistically lose power. Term limits can help here.

- Accountability of elected officials.

- Integrity of the electoral process.

- Peaceful transfer of power.

My vote still matters. It still influence the flow of money both locally and nationally. It still sends a signal.

I hope the whole nation shifts my way, and in case there's any doubt or claims of fraud, I want it to be seen that my area shifted the same way too. It makes lies about fraud that much harder to support.

Voting is the best bang for your buck to make your opinion known. Granted, if you openly campaign or start an organization, you might have more influence than voting, but these things require much much more effort. Voting is very efficient and worth the small effort required.

Nothing says F U to politicians quite like voting against them every time. There are some people I want to say that to. You probably do too, so vote.