Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good: 'Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Elections matter.

They are the ultimate protection for the people as a whole.

That's why tyrants fix or forbid elections and racists limit the vote.

After the American Civil War there was a brief period where former slaves were elected to office. They were elected because African-Americans had the vote and there is no doubt had that vote not been removed Jim Crow would never have occurred.

It's true that refusing to vote is as significant as voting. But refusing to vote presumes a vote is available. The freedom to vote and the existence of elections are our ultimate civic protection.

Throw the bums out; the old policy and the old Leader; hope -- whatever your view, being able to have a view is what keeps us free.