I don't know exactly how the Rev. Al Sharpton and others hope to channel the national consciousness and energy generated over the tragic deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner in the coming days and weeks. But I see a golden opportunity to engage some low-voter-turnout demographics and invite those of age to join in the civic discourse that eventually plays out at the polls. I hope this is on the radar for Sharpton, the two major political parties and President Barack Obama himself. As I watch people from their late teens to their mid-30s leave the sidewalks and hit the streets to protest, I wonder why leaders across the country are not targeting them in a voter-registration drive/Roger Ehlert, Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Does it make sense to protest and not to vote?