Agreed. Working democracy is not individual opinion poll.
In representative democracy voting in general elections is just small part of political activity. Surprisingly small amount of participation can have huge influence. Within political parties there are many influential positions where things are prepared and organized. When you get your say in the local chapter or some nationwide internal interest group, it really matters.
I joined a party in my country. While I participate very little I do it steadily. I have probably 5000x to 10000x more influence in politics than average voter who only votes. Maybe 3-5 times a year I vote online or go to meeting where representative are selected or agendas are set and vote for someone or propose someone to some position. I don't do any work myself. I just find out the people I want to do the work for me. I donate little bit or send a encouraging email to someone who I want to become more active.
Surprisingly small amount of grassroots political activity could completely change politics. It's just that people like to spend hours in the internet complaining about politics instead of taking part of it.
In representative democracy voting in general elections is just small part of political activity. Surprisingly small amount of participation can have huge influence. Within political parties there are many influential positions where things are prepared and organized. When you get your say in the local chapter or some nationwide internal interest group, it really matters.
I joined a party in my country. While I participate very little I do it steadily. I have probably 5000x to 10000x more influence in politics than average voter who only votes. Maybe 3-5 times a year I vote online or go to meeting where representative are selected or agendas are set and vote for someone or propose someone to some position. I don't do any work myself. I just find out the people I want to do the work for me. I donate little bit or send a encouraging email to someone who I want to become more active.
Surprisingly small amount of grassroots political activity could completely change politics. It's just that people like to spend hours in the internet complaining about politics instead of taking part of it.