Election day arrives after months - years even, in which a candidate's popularity, which eventually translates to votes, is sampled. So we have a pretty good idea where the candidates stand. Of course some candidates can rise and some can sputter and hit a brick wall. But, on the whole we have a pretty good idea of where they stand -- popularity wise.
But if on Election morning my candidate has gained 0 traction, polling in low single digits, there'd be no way I could have in good conscience voted for that candidate. Not with Hillary in the room. No way.
But, I assume you made your statement as you wished. Surprised to hear you'd make it again the same way.
Votes are wonderful things. Personally, I could never have done that in the 2016 election.