Today is election day in many locales around the country including my beloved hometown. If you haven't done so, then go get your vote on now. You have no excuse not to if you're a progressive wanting systemic change. Dropping out of the system because you're pissed at the peeps in power is NOT an option.
There are ballot initiatives that help and hurt this community. There are progressive candidates for public office that deserve and need our support.
Just consider it a practice run for the 2010 midterm federal elections next November.
Bottom line is that if you want progressive policies, you have to vote for progressive politicians to carry them out.
If you don't like your choices, then get involved with your local party and help choose better candidates. If you think you can do a better job than the politician you dislike, then run for public office yourself.