Dude, it's a party politics problem really, compounded by corrupt electoral bullshit like the electoral college, gerrymanderind and malapportionment. The two party nominees at any election have never been the parties' best and/or brightest.
I don't get upset about people not voting, I just believe democracy works better in countries where voting is compulsory. Also, a much easier change that few would oppose is that election day should be on the weekend. Well, the Jews and Christians might fight it out, but they both suck.