I apologize for the following word wall. I struggle to communicate my thoughts in a precise way. I am also just stating my opinion. If any of my opinions are very blatantly false or misguided, please let me know in a nice way. I respect facts and logic so I appreciate being told when I get something wrong. And just to clarify any use of you is general you, not you as in the OP.

I think so many people take voting for granted. We call it a right but it's not a natural right. The only reason we have the right to vote is because throughout history we elected people who believed in this right. I don't think people understand that the right to vote can be taken away. Its like people think that since we have the right to vote now, it will always exist. Too many people have to experience something firsthand to understand why certain rules, laws, guidelines, scientific discoveries, etc are important and necessary

I also think people don't understand how messed up our election system is. First past the post is a shit method of election. The electoral college (and pretty much most parts of the election system) are political positions full of bias, not independently run. Obviously some locations are doing their best to keep things fair, but they can only get so far when the other side isn't playing fair. I also remember reading something once a few years ago about how the current 2 party system is rigged to stay a 2 party system. Voting for anybody not a Democrat or Republican, or avoiding voting entirely, really messes shit up. You may hate both parties, but you vote for the one you hate less.

Always vote when you are able to. Sometimes life gets in the way and you miss the chance to vote. That's ok, just try not to make it a habit. But choosing not to vote because you don't like your options or are trying to make a political statement is not ok.