Ballots are usually have other down ballot issues. In our last local we had a local state rep in an area that was uni party. Essentially ran unopposed, last election we were there for someone filed last minute to oppose. With 30 some odd percent voter participation the incumbent won with a margin of only a few votes. Wouldn't have taken but a few folks (less than 40) to switch the outcome. That incumbent went on to cast the deciding vote on several big local issues that have had profoundly negative impacts on the local area. Those 40 votes would have zero impact on the state or national leadership... but had tangible local consequences.
If your to defeated to wait in line and check a box, I get it. Came of age in Oregon after it went from purple to deep blue. Doesn't mean that locally there are no consequences.