Why vote?

So I just went to vote, I kinda had an idea who I was in favor of being mayor. However, I had no clue who the people were that were running for city council. So I didn't vote for any of them. I am guilty of choosing people just because, without knowing who they were. But this year i thought about the meaning of my vote. It means the candidate has my support. A candidate can't have my support if I have no idea who they are or what they're about. So my first thought is, should you vote if you have not done your research. I say that because people (Blacks in particular) are quick to say things like, "they fought and died for our right to vote". So should I vote just because I have the right to vote, even if I haven't done adequate research? On the other hand, they also fought for our right to read and sometimes I just don't get around to checking out info on the candidates. IDK

Anyway, another thing that made me laugh a little is how someone I know did not vote for mayor because of some issues that they didn't agree with. Certain candidates are for same-sex marriage and for that reason alone, this person did not vote for them. I felt that it wasn't a smart thing to do. I understand because I am against same-sex marriage as well. At the same time, there are so many other issues that I had to look. The person I voted for mayor is for same-sex marriage but I liked the way the candidate approached those other problems. I don't think there has ever been a candidate that I agreed with on every issue 100%. Does that mean I should never vote? To me, it just means I have to be more involved in the community. I have the right to call or write people in office to share my opinion on matters. I have the right to build relationships with people so they know where I stand on issues. It never stops with a vote. It just means I have to be more involved in being a citizen.

What do yall think?