Frankly, it's a subject of ( minor ) dissent in my house- I always vote. Every time. My wife never has- in 19 years of marriage. She simply has never encountered a politician she regards as being worthy of supporting.
And while I find this annoying, she is exercising a choice, and one I'm willing to defend.
I note a lot of people who belong to the group I call "wanting to use the force of the government to make others do what they want them to do" would like to see compulsory voting- kind of like they had in the Soviet Union, or China. On that day, I'll vote from the rooftops...
Compulsory voting is an inane idea. Government force cannot instill civic virtue and responsibility.
However, I grew up with the lesson that voting is not just a right, it is a civic duty. One who does not vote and abstains by choice is delinquent in fulfilling their duty. I believe strongly that people who sit out elections are damaging in their negligence to our essential freedoms. For our system to work, a willing, involved and voting electorate is required. Our Founding Fathers knew this and even stated that the enlightened electorate was the bedrock of our government.
A voter may not always find a candidate to support completely but a voter can always find a candidate who is the most dangerous to have in office. If cynicism doesn't allow a vote FOR a candidate, it will clearly show one to vote AGAINST.
Staying at home during an election because there isn't a perfect candidate to support spits on every one who sacrificed or gave the last full measure to insure that precious freedom.