It's no question that misinformation, civic ignorance and apathy is abound in our society, and is a pressing issue of our time. Just as there is no denying that populism can sometimes lead to negative outcomes.  But I challenge you to find any evidence that voter suppression and disenfrachisement produces more beneficial policies and representatives for the populations that have their voices suppressed. Less voter turnout will always lead to less policy emphasis on the needs of a particular population. The founders intended the citizenry to vote with their passions, that's why they designed a system of checks and balances and representatives to make decisions on our behalf. But denying blacks the right to vote did not lead to racial equality, and denying women the vote did not lead to gender equality. Society just doesn't work that way.