I find it useful, in politics, to keep a list of issues in respect of which I would, singularly, disregard party affiliation for. (The same with a black list. I won’t vote for a candidate on the wrong side of certain issues.)

Putting it on paper is valuable. It clarifies your thoughts. And it makes it clear how draconian these red lines are. (I constantly re-evaluate them, with the goal of talking myself out of them.)

What do you do if none of the candidates qualifies after applying white and black lists? Or, if the candidate both promises something on the while list and on the black list? Not a theoretical question, I don't have the right to vote in US, but if I did, I'd be in this situation for the most elections in the most places where I cared reading about candidates.

You tell others to make a list.

Enough people make such a list, change happens.

Provided their lists are similar. Otherwise you just get Brownian motion.

I have this problem, I usually write in some fictional characters (or someone one who isn't running or who isn't qualified to run) name in protest. For example, during our last city election, I wrote in Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump for Aldermen. I also wrote in my mother for the school board.