One of the better political essays since I joined Medium. The mediocre turnout for elections is a red herring for what really ails western democracy. If there is a “deep state”, it should be overjoyed that voter turnout is the issue that gains popular discussion for improving democracy. The deep state stays in place regardless.

Before I became political, I went to the polls as part of my civic duty. Twice, I had no idea who I was going to vote for. What made me cast my X here, but not there is still a mystery to me.

Then I became political. My voting was partisan. My party could have run a dead dog, and I would have still voted for it.

Then I lost faith in all political parties. These days, I spoil my ballot as my protest that we need to start building another system of governance. Some consider my spoiled ballot as undemocratic. But I think it is better than staying home.