"There were, in actuality, just 2 candidates contesting to win the support of an electorate consisting of 239 million voters. Surely, not all Americans are equally like-minded there is clearly a lack of choice even for half of the voters that do turn out to vote."

Our plurality, winner-take-all, Electoral College vote allocation implemented by most states discourages voters from voting their conscience. States should implement Electoral Vote proportional allocation: http://fairelectionadvocates.org/electoral-college#PropRep

"Right or privilege, suffrage can also be classed as a duty. The duty of a citizen, individual, parent, etc."

After decades of voting and nothing changes, some residents conclude "Why bother?".

"You have an important role in the field of politics because it has an impact on your life. Political participation should indeed be a great part of all of our lives. "

Perhaps we would get better results if we switched to proportional representation: https://www.fairvote.org/fair_representation#what_is_fair_voting