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They pay for ads which generate votes.

i would suggest voters vote based on something other than ads... However if people wish to vote based on ads that's their prerogative.

They could vote based on something else but they are usually so concerned about a democrat/republican getting in that they'd rather vote for a republican/democrat.

That is what ads are for. They activate the electorate with appropriate messaging.

Unless you personally know the people you vote for, or spend a lot of time researching their history, their programs and the relation of those to political, economic and social issues, you are voting based on ads. Believing something else is deluding oneself.

Most of the time I don't vote. When I do I vote libertarian, I've never seen an ad for the libertarian party in my country.

When I buy ads (donate) I buy ads I buy for the Green Party in areas where they are splitting the left wing vote.

The best way I know of to influence government is to have professionals prepare my taxes, and to ensure the government follows the law to the letter. Voting is designed to limit the influence of the individual on politics while appearing to give people choice.

If we wanted government representative of the views of the people we'd just draw 500 names of citizens out of a hat.

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