Explain what political scientist Austin Ranney meant by saying, "Nonvoting is not a social disease."

Answer:

An ideal response will:
1. Note that voter turnout in the United States is lower than in many other democratic governments and that some people have expressed concern about this.
2. Explain Ranney's statement as emphasizing the fact that nonvoting is voluntary and that it is not problematic as long as nonvoters closely resemble voters in their policy views.