I don't have any helpful answer. Ethical people tend to be well-off. The majority of Americans are ethical and well-off, and don't want to jeopardize that state of affairs. But now the criminals in control will require that ethical people surrender things they value, including morality, for the good of the criminals. I'm afraid it will take a lot of pain at the hands of these con artists before enough people are willing to take the necessary, dangerous, and "unlawful" steps to disarm the criminals.
As you said, elections are a joke, so confrontation may be the only answer. Unfortunately confrontation will be countered with government sanctioned violence, and any violent response against the Government is illegal, treasonous, and punishable by up to death. The Dems - the current Administration - the criminal cartel - sees even thoughts and trespassing as violence. It won't be pretty.
I think the only way out is the use of nullification, then leading to secession.
States that secede should do some drastic measures such as cutting 98% of welfare and providing free one way tickets to blue states to any who are upset by that policy. That would clear a lot of problems right there. Make it crystal clear what the seceded states stand for as opposed to the depraved old commie cartel states.
Someone upthread said we aren’t there yet. I dont agree, I believe it’s past time, and nearing too late. I never thought I would say that. But they are condolidating power every day.