Final answer:
Low voter participation may lead to a decrease in the quality of responsiveness of elected officials, as they might cater to active voter groups, potentially ignoring others' needs. Such low engagement can signal either contentment or disillusion with the political system, yet it can also lead to unrepresentative governance and unequal representation across different demographics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Low voter participation can indeed reduce the quality of responsiveness of representatives. Candidates elected to office typically feel obligated to those who support and vote for them. When only certain demographics actively engage in voting, elected officials may focus their policies toward these particular groups, potentially neglecting the needs and views of less active voters. This can lead to feelings of disassociation, apathy, or a perceived lack of effective influence among those with lower voting participation.
While some scholars believe low turnout could indicate contentment with current governance, others argue that it reflects a lack of legitimacy and represents a challenge to the democratic principle of government by the people. Factors such as institutional barriers, voter fatigue, and demographic disparities can also contribute to decreased voter turnout. The consequences of low voter participation are significant, potentially leading to unrepresentative policymaking and unequal representation among various parts of the population.