Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is encouraging dissatisfied Russians to take political action through pointed inaction. Despite freezing temperatures, thousands turned out for Navalny-inspired protests across the country Jan. 29, in what has been deemed the "voters' strike." More than a hundred cities held demonstrations calling for a boycott of the March elections in which President Vladimir Putin will seek a fourth term. Protesters demanded free and fair elections, an anti-corruption campaign against elites and the end of Putin's rule. Though there was major youth participation as usual, the demographic makeup was more varied than in previous events. More older citizens joined and displayed pensioner signs and slogans, which is an important signal as the Kremlin continues cavalierly tinkering with wages and the pension system....
