Final answer:
The passage refers to issues with voter participation rates in the 2012 presidential election, highlighting disparities in turnout among various demographics, particularly young and minority voters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage describing the 2012 presidential election's voter turnout addresses issues related to voter participation rates. This is a significant aspect of election problems as it can lead to a misrepresentation of the general will, where certain demographic groups, such as senior citizens, have higher representation than other groups like young voters and minority populations. Low voter turnout among specific groups can result from various factors including apathy, restrictive registration laws, transportation issues, or lack of information about the voting process.
Evidence of this problem can be seen in the 2016 Census Bureau reports, showing only 51% of eligible 18 to 24-year-olds registered to vote, and 39% voted. In contrast, voter registration and participation amongst the 65 to 74-year-old demographic were considerably higher, with 75% registered and 68% voting. This pattern suggests an age-related disparity in voter engagement, which can skew election results. Despite efforts to make registering easier, such as online voter registration and automatic registration processes, and the work of voting advocacy groups, voter turnout still remains a critical issue in U.S. elections.
Therefore, the passage illustrates a problem with electoral participation, particularly emphasizing disparities between different age groups and minority populations, which is indicative of the broader issue of voter engagement within a democracy and the potential consequences for electoral representation and legitimacy.