I disagree with you insofar that I think voting can make a difference in local races, if you have some sort of organization behind it. I've heard stories of outsider candidates taking over school boards and local governments and making real changes.

On the state and national level, yeah, I get your point. And yes, one's mileage may vary in your own municipality - but there is evidence of voting still making a difference on the local level in many places.

I'm posting this less to convince you and more to communicate to others that in some places, your local vote really can matter.