> How can we really vote in a way that will make a difference? We (that is, tech users) have a choice, if we choose it. The ones who don't are the people who c

> How can we really vote in a way that will make a difference? We (that is, tech users) have a choice, if we choose it. The ones who don't are the people who can't take that option (ie, your mother). You've stated as much. What is your choice today, as someone technically inclined? Well - you mentioned modded Android; but there are several other options, if you don't mind fiddling with things. More than a few phone operating systems are out there, many open source. For hardware, probably among the best right now is the Pine64 phone (it's currently in a strange "high-beta" state - you can order one, and it will supposedly be close to what will eventually be sold, but it isn't completely considered a "commercial product"). Alternatively, you could build a phone using a Raspberry Pi (or a similar board, like a Beaglebone or something), or an Arduino (you'll be very limited in what you can do using a standard Arduino - basically make/take calls, store some contacts, maybe SMS). Note that most phone modules out there are 2/3G - but you can find 4G/LTE modules, fairly cheap if you know what you're looking for. Your "phone" won't look pretty, but you probably know that. It will likely be fragile at times, and the software quality will depend on what you can find and what you can code yourself. Cloud storage, games, etc - will all be mostly up to you to implement in some manner. A lot of work, certainly - but that's the only real option, as you can never be absolutely certain, if you're not in control of at least the OS and software. But for everyone else? Yeah - they don't have any choice, unless they are willing to step up their knowledge (and most aren't, nor should they have to).