Why was turnout so low in 1948?

[Beet]

Between 1932 to 1936, 5.5 million people joined the ranks of voters
In 1940, another 4 million joined
In 1944, nearly 2 million dropped out, but presumably this was due to so many being overseas fighting the war
In 1948, there should have been a surge of voters as the troops came home & natural population increase. However, turnout was lower than in 1940.
In 1952, there was a massive surge in turnout as over 12 million new people surged to the polls. Why didn't this happen in 1948?

[JerryArkansas]

many believed that both candidates were both horrible choices and instead of choosing between the worst of two evils, they just stayed home

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

In 1952, there was a massive surge in turnout as over 12 million new people surged to the polls. Why didn't this happen in 1948?

Ike.

[Antonio the Sixth]

many believed that both candidates were both horrible choices and instead of choosing between the worst of two evils, they just stayed home

What you describe is a fairly recent phenomenon. I highly doubt voters had these kinds of reflections back in the 1940s.

[Mr.Phips]

A lot of people thought that Dewey was so certain to win that they didnt even bother voting. 

[emcee0]

Everyone just assumed that Dewey was going to win I guess. It's almost like on American Idol when people assume on person is going to be crowned and no one votes. Give em Hell Harry was a fighter.