There is more than one way to stay reasonably well informed, although you might not know it from the U.S. media. Back in Revolutionary War times, it two weeks for the news of the battles of Concord and Lexington to reach the capitol at the time, Philadelphia. So when you got your news, it was long over. I personally find the drum beating relentless maw of 24/7 news very empty. Nowadays, news is so frantic for new facts, ti doesn’t even wait for them to happen. It inserts itself in the story, it relentlessly reports on reactions. Sort of a news narcissism. Between these two extremes lies a happy medium. I like my news with a dose of analysis. To me, that argues for print news sources. Try a weekly news magazine or a good Sunday paper for your news. Now, I do disagree with you about politics and you being able to make a difference. Your informed vote definitely makes a difference. Again, you can opt out of all of the campaign frenzy. Instead, study the records of the candidates from previous office they held. Also, review their position papers, which lay out the views they hold on certain issues, and what they will do when they are in office.