I was a Democratic voter (never a Democrat, never Woke). Reflecting on why and what changed, it's because 1) I didn't understand the relevant topics at all but thought I did better than most because I'm smart 2) I was surrounded by other such people who also voted Democrat 3) Fear-based propaganda 4) Anti-Republican propaganda that renders conservative positions "dirty" or low-status, like bad, dumb, and crazy 5) Complete inability to understand or recognize Marxism 6) Low interest in understanding politics, economics, etc., combined with a high interest in wanting to win arguments about politics, economics, etc. As these things changed, so did my voting, but I also had to give myself permission to make that change and feel like others supported them (low confidence, beta behavior). It's definitely a feeling of violating some profound taboo even to entertain a deeper thought, much less cast a vote or voice support. Leftism is a cult. If you leave it, you can absolutely feel it, both in how you're treated and how you feel. Upon reflection, it's undeniable, likely a universal experience among those who walk away.