Protesters of presidential candidate Donald Trump blocked a major Arizona roadway that led to a nearby suburb where Trump was hosting a rally. Between 50-75 protesters blocked the road with cars and their bodies, causing traffic delays in the area, according to a New York Times article. Three people were arrested during the protest, while others faced “USA” chants from supporters, according to the article.

The Arizona roadway incident is not the only major clash among Trump protesters, supporters and police in recent days. During his second rally in Arizona on Saturday, multiple protesters were escorted out for causing disruptions while one was even punched and kicked by another person in the crowd, according to the New York Times. Trump’s campaign manager, along with a security member, grabbed a collar of a protester at the same rally just weeks after the manager was said to have grabbed a reporter.

Additionally, Trump protesters in New York City marched to Trump Tower and pushed against police before being pepper sprayed. The New York Times reported that at least two protesters were put in handcuffs while others chose not to enter a designated protest zone.

It seems as this country gets further into campaign season and closer to choosing each party’s nominees, the more heated interactions between Trump protesters, supporters and police get. While it is a shame someone who could become the president of the United States inspires so much turmoil, the responses of these groups are encouraging — showing activism, use of free speech and passion in the political process — and morally wrong because of the violence and arrests.  

First, the sheer number of Trump protesters and supporters who have embraced the political process and used their First Amendment rights by speaking out and protesting or hosting rallies is encouraging — especially with recent poor voter turnout in our country. The United States’ voter turnout in 2012 was almost 54 percent, which is much lower than other developed countries such as Belgium, Turkey and Sweden, which are all above 80 percent, according to the Pew Research Center. Perhaps the pre-election activity this year will encourage voter participation in November.

However, the way these protesters and supporters are going about participating in politics and voicing their opinions has not been the morally correct or lawful way to go about it. These numerous run-ins with police or instances of violence from all sides shows a disrespect for our system and will not lead to progress.

With a candidate like Trump, who tends to be so polarizing, isn’t it essential that we have the most passionate but productive conversations possible about our country’s future?