I believe a country that is actively engaged in the political process is good for all Americans, especially my children who will inherit my generation's screw-ups.
I believe a country where 30% of people vote is worse than one where 60% of people vote, and that bad politicians are held less accountable. In order for a higher turnout to happen, then lots of people like me need to vote, even if their vote doesn't do much.
Whether I hold the door for the person behind me doesn't really affect my life. It might make me feel good about myself for a bit (like voting) and it may help a stranger a bit. Voting is maybe less directly helpful, but it's helpful to millions of strangers.
Also, my vote has way more power down-ballot, as others have said.
The first half of your comment is basically where I was going when I said "[My vote] increases turnout, which probably increases confidence in our democracy." I probably should have rephrased that.
I actually agree that I should vote, and this is the primary reason why. But I'm more caught up on how I should vote.
I believe a country where 30% of people vote is worse than one where 60% of people vote, and that bad politicians are held less accountable. In order for a higher turnout to happen, then lots of people like me need to vote, even if their vote doesn't do much.
Whether I hold the door for the person behind me doesn't really affect my life. It might make me feel good about myself for a bit (like voting) and it may help a stranger a bit. Voting is maybe less directly helpful, but it's helpful to millions of strangers.
Also, my vote has way more power down-ballot, as others have said.