1 Paulina Rubio
Waxing political
Santogold, Saul Williams, and Spank Rock join Rock the Vote campaign
By Jenny An
Published: May 1st, 2008 | 2:30pm
Rock the Vote has been working to make political participation cool since 1990. With video and audio PSAs, voter registration teams at concerts, and a Capitol Hill blog, the D.C.-based non-profit makes getting involved and informed easier and more accessible than ever.
Many musicians and actors are getting involved with making video PSAs to encourage people to vote in the 2008 presidential election. Story of the Year, Spank Rock, and Brittany Murphy are just a few of the big names supporting the cause this year. Here are a few of our favorite videos:
Latin votin’ love
Singer Juanes, Mexican pop star Paulina Rubio, and rappers Wisin & Yandel target their message to young Hispanic voters. Peace signs, fists of power, Spanish slogans, and cheers tell you to “Rock the vote, rock the world.”
Goodbye apathy
Indie poppers the Hush Sound want you to vote because, as they say, “only you can prevent a bad president.” The Chicago natives want to protect the environment and are looking for your help.
Hip to vote
Santi “Santogold” White directs her message to her hometown of Illadeph. If you don’t vote, she doesn’t want to hear any of your sass.
Have it your way
According to Saul Williams, choosing a president is like getting a veggie burger at McDonalds — both are a response to the voice of the people. “There are the powers that be and the powers of being,” the actor-musician says. It’s up to citizens to participate for “the change, for society, for us all.”
Punks rock (the vote)
Against Me! doesn’t want to talk about the importance of voting. They want to sing about it. In this music video by the Gainesville, Florida, foursome, the issues of abortion, euthanasia, gay marriage, and the Iraq War are all acted out, while front man Tom Gabel chants, “Stop, take some time to think, figure out what’s important to ya.”
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