Or, like most people, you're not a rational machine.
The future that costs you $50,000 (or helps/hurts you via any of the mentioned surrogate currencies) is distasteful. Your irrational brain won't let you do nothing, and makes you go out and cast your vote, even though you may understand that it's a waste of time.
Alternative theory: Risk.
Highly publicized close elections create a scenario that looms large in your mind: The Bad Guy wins by one vote. (Or just a few). You would never forgive yourself. Even though you know it to be fantastically unlikely, you aren't willing to risk it.
The future that costs you $50,000 (or helps/hurts you via any of the mentioned surrogate currencies) is distasteful. Your irrational brain won't let you do nothing, and makes you go out and cast your vote, even though you may understand that it's a waste of time.
Alternative theory: Risk.
Highly publicized close elections create a scenario that looms large in your mind: The Bad Guy wins by one vote. (Or just a few). You would never forgive yourself. Even though you know it to be fantastically unlikely, you aren't willing to risk it.
/me doesn't vote.