Exactly this. And if they ask “oh but why not”. You just answer “I just dont want to be on your social media”. You never have to validate your reasoning for saying no.

If they push the why, then ask them if they’re genuinely interested in the answer before giving one. Force them to be a part of the conversation, because why people ask “aww why not”, its not because they’re interested in the answer, its because they wanta yes. Just say no.

Piling on another comment to say that lurking here feels much nicer than on reddit. The comments are actually worth reading a lot of the time. RiF going down was a dark day, but Jerboa and Lemmy make everything light.

And if you’re in this position where you see this all as fact, then what is the alternative?

IMO there is none.

Trying to rebuild the system at the time of an election is the wrong time. You have two options - because that is the reality you live in (right now).

Work on building something better AFTER the election, change the system, fix it for the future. But for NOW, you get a choice. Not voting (in this system) is a vote for ambivalence, and you dont seem like the person that doesn’t care.

But importantly, work to change the system later. You have valid concerns and the system you are in is broken, but you can make a change.

Edit: to not be misconstrued, I agree with the issues at hand that you’re highlighting. I’m just saying that the alternative is worse and that is a likelihood in this reality no?

When will the pressure be applied? It sure as shit won’t be the current election, so you’re betting on it still being a thing in 4 years that they can change their mind on?

Calling your representatives changes more opinions than “not voting” or “voting for someone else” in a two party system.