LSAT Explanation PT 24, S3, Q1: Francis: Failure to become properly registered

LSAT Question Stem

The main issue in dispute between Francis and Sharon is 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. We have two speakers, Francis and Sharon, who are discussing the issue of voter registration in Lagonia.

Francis presents the following argument:

1. Premise: Failure to become properly registered to vote prevents one-third of the voting-age citizens of Lagonia from voting.

2. Premise: The registration process is excessively cumbersome.

3. Conclusion: If local election boards made the registration process easier, more people would register and vote.

Sharon, on the other hand, presents a counterargument:

1. Premise: The high number of citizens not registered to vote has persisted despite many attempts to make registering easier.

2. Premise: Surveys show that most of these citizens believe that their votes would not make a difference.

3. Conclusion: Until that belief is changed, simplifying the registration process will not increase the percentage of citizens registering to vote.

The question type here is a Disagree question, which asks us to identify the main issue in dispute between Francis and Sharon. Let's now evaluate each answer choice:

a) whether changing the voter registration process would be cumbersome

- This answer choice is incorrect because neither Francis nor Sharon discuss whether changing the process would be cumbersome. Francis states that the current process is cumbersome, but there's no disagreement on this point.

b) why so many citizens do not register to vote

- This answer choice is correct. Francis argues that the cumbersome registration process is the main reason why many citizens do not register to vote, while Sharon disagrees and states that the main reason is that citizens believe their votes would not make a difference. They are disputing the primary reason for the low voter registration rate.

c) what percentage of those registered to vote actually vote

- This answer choice is incorrect because neither Francis nor Sharon discuss the percentage of registered voters who actually vote. Their disagreement is focused on the reasons for low voter registration, not on voting behavior.

d) whether local election boards have simplified the registration process

- This answer choice is incorrect because Francis does not discuss whether local election boards have already tried to simplify the process. Sharon does mention that there have been attempts to make registering easier, but Francis's argument is focused on the future: if the process were made easier, more people would register and vote.

e) why the public lacks confidence in the effects of voting

- This answer choice is incorrect because Francis does not discuss the public's confidence in the effects of voting. Sharon mentions this as a reason for low voter registration, but there is no disagreement between the two speakers on this specific point.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as Francis and Sharon disagree on why so many citizens do not register to vote.