Do you actually think 50% of the population couldn't get a college degree even if it was free or do you think half both desire to vote but couldn't be bothered to attend to such trivial details as who their senators are?

Only about 15% have an IQ less than 90. 85% could absolutely get a degree and pay minimal attention. Will they all? No and if only 50% of the population bothers that would in that case be on them. They would in that scenario be throwing away their own rights by declining to participate. Spending A 4 year cycle reading your facebook feed and voting for the guy you saw in between the beer commercial and the game last night isn't participation.