I think that we should indeed focus on voter participation as well as continuing to register those that are not registered. The big problem is that we believe we can't make a difference.
Think of it like this. When a new "black" movie comes out on the weekend, we as a people will come together in support of the movie and make sure that it tops the charts and make at least 30-40 million dollars. We need to be just as supportive of candidates who have our best interests in mind. If we go to the polls and spend 10 minutes or less to vote (for FREE!!!) we can put our candidate in the "win" column, just as we do the movies that we support. You will spend less time at the polls voting than you will just waiting in line to get into the movie.
When we realize that - Yes, we can make a difference when we ban together and participate in the voting process instead of standing on our soapboxes complaining about things, then things will begin to change.
In order to get more participation, what can we do? Have information sessions on the candidates stand on the issues. Offer incentives to voters? Offer buses to take folks to the polls? Have polls set up at more accessible areas? I'll have to think on that some more.
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