Why, exactly, is voting important? It sounds like an odd question or one to which the answer is obvious. But it’s complex and some of the reasons are subtle.

Just about everyone — on the left and the right — acknowledges the importance of voting. At the same time, the odds against a single person’s vote being decisive in an election are overwhelming. It simply isn’t going to happen to any of us. Nonetheless voting is not just a feel-good thing that gratifies most of us. It’s important even if your candidate wins or loses by thousands of votes.

Here are 10 reasons why voting is important

Protect democracy: It is vital to understand that voting is a group effort. If the group is apathetic, those hoping to take advantage will be encouraged.

Have your say: It may sound like a cliche, but voting is good for the soul. It also sets a good example to younger family members.

The importance of voting cannot be overestimated when it comes to the fate of smaller parties: In many cases they must get a certain percentage of the electorate to qualify to be on the ballot in the next election. So losing by a zillion may be better than losing by a zillion and twenty.

Your relatives fought for this: People put themselves in harm’s way–Omaha Beach, The Edmund Pettis Bridge and elsewhere—for our right to vote. Being too lazy or disconnected to go to the polling place (or mailbox) is showing disrespect for the sacrifice made by these people.

Protect voting rights: The old saying “use it or lose it” could not be more appropriate.

Real world consequences: Voting is a conduit, not an end in itself. Voting shows politicians what the electorate thinks is important. The impact is felt every day in healthcare, the environment, education, access to broadband, emergency services, privacy rights and just about anything else that the government administers or influences.

Your demographic group gains credit and sway: Statisticians and political insiders keep a very close eye on each subgroups’ voters. An individual showing up to vote, whether or not his or her favored candidate wins, sends a message about the existing power or weakness of your group. That, of course, determines how much attention will be paid to the group’s concerns.

Even if your candidate loses, if he/she does well it bodes well for them in the future: If there is a particular candidate whose views you share and/or inspires you, it is important to get behind them. This is true even if it is evident that they won’t win. There always is a next time, and over-performing expectations in an election one cycle can give them a headstart on fundraising and in other ways two or four years later (for the House of Representatives and most other offices, respectively).

Often are important referendums or propositions that you may not have heard of but are important: If you don’t vote, you don’t get to weigh in on lesser profile but important issues of all sorts. You also bypass voting on things that folks generally know are important but tend not to think about, such as school and library budgets.

This list of 10 reasons why voting is important of course is not exhaustive. If I’ve missed any, please let me know.