I envy those who vote for a particular candidate because they support them.
I find the majority of my votes are to DEFEAT someone I perceive as capable of causing much greater harm. There are but a few of the politician class I would vote FOR. The best opportunity for change is in the primary stage. Once the party has chosen candidates, there is little affect other than picking the perceived lesser of the evils. Again though, the concept of government will be inflicted upon us whether we agree or approve or not remains. Failing to participate means you took no opportunity to mitigate the harm government WILL cause. I respect a vote for a failure candidate as there was a chance (unless the game is truly rigged, and that, is a separate discussion) that the candidate could win. No vote at all, is choosing to take no action against policies that government will enact. That may as well be approval.
When I stand upon my soapbox and try to inspire citizens, I implore them:
This nation is a republic, not a democracy. For a republic to function it cannot be a spectator sport watched from the couch. We must be involved at every level and let our elected representatives know our approval, our disapproval and our desires. They work for us, and neither they, nor we, should ever dare forget it.
And if you doubt the existence of that soapbox, come out to an Appleseed. I can be found atop that box more than once a month.