Have you ever voted........ - And felt good about it?

[OAS]

OAS the way primaries are run over a long time span, often the renegade candidate is way out of the race before your turn comes to vote.

This is true but they are still on the ballot when your state primary comes around. Most states have a 60 to 90 day ballot petition requirement. Most states are required by law to vote convention delegates as to how their citizens voted. If a candidate drops out of the race before your primary because of funding, continue to vote for them. Start a grass roots campaign to get people to vote for them. Send your message to your parties convention. Take the vote away from the popular candidate, don't waste it.