I vote for DSA candidates every time because there is essentially never a better option. If none are running, I vote as far left as I can. I vote in primaries and generals. Here are some current DSA candidates to check out if you're in any of those districts: https://thedigradio.com/podcast/primary-struggle-w-abdul-el-sayed-and-other-insurgent-candidates/

I am to the left of social democrats, but even DSA has full-on socialist caucuses within it (varying by state/national DSA), see: https://dsa-lsc.org/2025/01/31/a-guide-to-dsa-politics/

I would never vote for the right. It's a terrible plan because (1) it's not gonna spark "a revolution", it's just going to create a more and more oppressive society without building any power on the left -- that's just some apocalyptic savior narrative that sounds more like anime than real life; (2) it sacrifices others, starting with the most marginalized and vulnerable, in a vain hope of improving my own future, which means I'd be just as much a right winger as any "true believer" would be.

Voting isn't enough. Act and organize locally. But also vote, especially in local elections.