Political participation can be best defined as:

Political participation encompasses a broad range of activities that individuals engage in to influence the decisions made by governmental bodies. The definition involving the process of turning opinion into action to influence policy captures the essence of what political participation involves. It goes beyond mere opinions or discussions and emphasizes the importance of active engagement in shaping the political landscape.

This definition embodies activities such as voting, campaigning, lobbying, and advocacy, all of which aim to affect policy outcomes and governmental actions. While discussing politics, voting, and engaging in debates are important forms of participation, they are often seen as components of the broader concept of political participation rather than its complete definition. Thus, the correct answer highlights that political participation is fundamentally about translating individual or collective opinions into actions that seek to have a tangible impact on policy and governance.