= new reply since forum marked as read
There are additional reasons for low turnout, but I've long supported making it a national holiday, think that could make a significant difference. 
And during the last election, I was amazed when I read that so many DUers had already voted well ahead of time. Here in New York, we have to show up at the polling place on election day. It's also tough for elderly voters. I went door-to-door for my congressman, had a lot of senior citizens on my "turf" and was surprised at how many had already voted absentee. Those are the only two options...
I had one big senior citizens building on my "turf" and those I spoke with asked about rides to the polls so I told them that Scott Murphy would be happy to do that and we went back there on election day and took anyone who wanted a ride. I was pleased to find a group who were that enthusiastic about it. I ran across one 97-year-old lady who had already voted absentee, but insisted I accompany her out back so I could see how much campaign literature that she'd had to throw in her trash... 
And I've always voted, too, I tend to be shocked when I run into someone who says they don't vote - because I do tend to ask, LOL. I have one friend who voted for the first time in 2016 at age 41 and another who's over 70 who doesn't follow politics, so I was more than pleased when they asked my advice. 
When I was really little, I remember going into the voting booth with my Dad. He'd lift me up and let me pull the levers, so I had early voting experience, though of course he told me which levers to choose - I have no idea who I voted for, but it was fun... 
My, now late, dad was a WWII vet and felt very strongly about voting so I was brought up that it was a right and a 'sacred duty'. He, like your dad, took me along and let me watch... I don't think he let me touch but even watching was a big deal to me back then. He was an old style Republican (I came to think of him as a RINO with the party's shift into crazytown) who HATED what 'his' party became, voted mostly for Democrats after Ford, and absolutely couldn't stand Trump and never missed a chance to let me know when we talked.
I have a friend (in her late 50s) that I've been bugging for years to register. Seeing Trump running she was so disgusted that she finally registered, voted and is even now somewhat active and very outspoken against him and the GOP. Her husband is retired Navy so she's especially outspoken on those issues. She gone from zero to 150mph and I'm loving it. 
always been a big fan of Andrew Cuomo but I like that he's open to changing his opinion (and not just 'talking the talk' but 'walking the walk') so he's definitely growing on me. 
Before the election, I read a lot of statements from him that I really agreed with, but I figured he was speaking out because he was up for reelection - so I'm especially glad to hear that he's still speaking out.