Not using your Constitutional right to vote disrespects that right. Not pulling the lever (or writing in) is the same as staying home. By writing in you’ve made two statements: First, you don’t like the candidate that’s on the ballet. Second, you’ve indicated the type of candidate you would prefer.
I’m appalled at the low turnout for this last round of NJ primaries. People who do not participate in the political process deserve every bad thing that happens to them.
We had a number of issues on our ballots this time. We do every time. So not voting for one position is not shirking your duty. It’s merely recognizing that neither of the candidates warrant your support. The writing in thing is okay, I think it sends a message, but I don’t see it as something that makes you a good citizen vs a bad citizen if you don’t.
If there is a broad effort to get a particular sound person elected via that route, I think it would be wise to participate.