This has been my theory on why in some countries the extreme-right is doing very well (Belgium for example, with Vlaams Belang and NVA). These parties seem to understand that one vote doesn't change much in the grand scheme of things and that the key is to be able to convince a mass amount of voters at the same time. Hence why they are playing the modern media game and spending massive amounts of money into social media campaigns to reach a maximum amount of people. While other parties are not doing that (because they don't realize the game that is being played?) and it shows in election results.

"influencing the votes of other people" should probably be illegal, given the discussion about alledged mass manipulations on U.S. elections.

I personally think politicians first and foremost need to try and restore trust in them by the people. I think the biggest reason for people to not vote these days is that they have already heard and seen confirmation for far too many lies. I used to go to every single election. Not anymore. It feels like a waste of my time. Not because the process is so complicated. No. It is a waste because we get lied to constantly anyway.

Anything you do is statistically insignificant when compared to the world's population.

But if one person in an average household quits that is a 25% reduction.

In the end that person and those around benefit.

Not for that smoker. They'll (statistically) live longer.