Final answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is 'abstain', meaning Norman chose not to vote because he believed neither candidate deserved to win. Abstaining from voting is a personal decision that can be based on a variety of reasons, including disagreement with the candidates' platforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question inquires about the appropriate word to complete the sentence: "Because Norman did not think that either of the two candidates deserve to win the election, he chose to ————— from voting." The correct choice to fill in the blank is E. abstain. The term 'abstain' means to deliberately choose not to partake in an activity or exercise a right, in this case, the right to vote. The other options provided do not fit the context of the sentence: 'abscond' means to leave hurriedly and secretly, 'descend' means to go down or come down, 'depart' means to leave, usually in the context of leaving a place, and 'impugn' means to dispute the truth or honesty of a statement or motive.
Norman's decision to abstain from voting likely stems from his belief that neither candidate merits his vote. Voting is a fundamental right and an important aspect of democracy, but if an individual feels that none of the candidates align with their views or principles, they may exercise their right not to vote, which is respected in many democracies around the world. It's important to note that the reasons for abstaining from voting can vary widely, including political, ethical, or personal beliefs.