@cmakie:

Make a database/full backup first as you are editing the database!

When you are in you cpanel, start phpmyadmin like you did.

On the left you will see your database, click db to open this one up. Select 3 from the drop down on the left panel. (this is if it is a fresh install with no addons)

This will open the third page of tables.

Scroll down to table: engine4_user_fields_options

The options for "are you able to vote" should be visible in this table, these are the options added to the question (drop down list)

You should be able to see the option "None", now you can edit the row on the right, ONLY change the word "None" to "- Please Select an option -" and save the row. 

Then logout and sign up again, and the sign up should have the option saying "- Please select an option -"

But before you edit could send a copy of the table rows on the right, it makes it easier for me to see and help you before you break something

If it has more than 25 rows, please select 500 rows instead of 25 on the...  

This has been posted in the community before with a fix. It is a database edit. You should try a search for the issue and if you are comfortable working in the database, you can do that query. If you are not comfortable working in the database, you can send a ticket and we can do it for you if you have support. It's just a corrupt connection to PayPal that can happen from time to time. The database query fixes it. I can look for the post later if you don't find it.