Five million people. That’s the amount of registered voters Rock the Vote has empowered to make their voice count. Sure, we might remember the organization for making awesome election commercials on MTV, but no matter the strategy, its message has been heard.
Although the non-profit has expanded to encompass many aspects of pop culture, music is still the force behind Rock the Vote as they’ve hosted concerts and filmed artist-centered PSAs since 1992. Its innovative approach to building a political movement based on bi-partisan hope and the power of music engages American youth to become active participants in the U.S.’s broad and at-times intimidating political system.
But it doesn’t stop at registering voters. They educate young people on the most important issues and shift the focus from where you stand on the political spectrum to informing pro-activity on issues.
With the U.S. presidential election about 2 months away, Rock the Vote has set up multiple avenues to reach out to young people. Its “We Will” campaign has hosted a concert with DJ Steve Aoki for an event during the Republican National Convention and the Foo Fighters will take the stage at the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
Along with the concerts, Rock the Vote has hit the road with a goal to register 1.5 million voters, making 11 stops at various cities and universities. Each stop will feature celebrity hosts, speakers, mobile voter registration stations, and performers including Jack Johnson and Motion City Soundtrack.
Taking note of the increased popularity of electronic dance music, Spin the Vote was created to reach out to electronic music festival goers—an audience Rock the Vote didn’t necessarily speak to. But with the same model as the original and with the help of volunteers, Spin the Vote hosts registration booths at various festivals/events across the country.
-Juan Frausto
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