Entertaining Voting Rights
- Lanea Bynum
- Oct 5, 2020
- 3 min read
With the 2020 elections quickly approaching and a little over a month left to vote, the future of America's democracy hangs in the balance. The focus now must lean towards undecided voters. Individuals who have not made up their minds to vote or individuals who qualify to vote and have not registered to do so need to realize that this is one of the most critical elections in our lifetime. We must make our voices heard as Americans.
Some people are doing everything in their power to silence the voices of Americans, and whether you agree or disagree, this cannot be allowed to happen. The right to vote is a great power to have, and one that has been denied too many. That is why entertainers are doing everything they can to get people to show up and show out at the polls.
Entertainers like Sarah Silverman have teamed up with a nonpartisan virtual gala to protect the 2020 elections. The event was held by Representus. According to its website, the organization helps "Pass powerful state and local laws to fix our broken elections and stop political bribery." On July 4, Reese Witherspoon said, "Celebrate your Independence by making sure you are registered to vote! It is up to every US citizen to be a part of creating the change you want to see in our country." Chris Evans has launched a political website called a Starting Point, where people can go to find out reliable, fact-based information. John Mayer also launched a website called @headcountorg, where you can go to register to vote. Katy Perry has encouraged her followers to vote by texting "VOTER" to 26797 to see if you are registered to vote or if you can vote early with a mail-in ballot. While comedian Amy Schumer said, "The world is burning, but this was a nice moment; please make sure everyone in your phone votes." A team of NBA players such as LeBron James, Steph Curry, and many more prominent athletes and entertainers has started a group to protect African Americans' rights to vote. More Than a Vote is an organization that wants to inspire African Americans to register and cast their ballots at the polls on November 5, 2020, or prior to, LeBron James said in a phone interview, "Yes, we want you to go out and vote, but
we're also going to give you the tutorial, We're going to give you the background of how to vote and explain what the other side is trying to do, to stop you from voting.
Musicians have "Also been pulling out all stops to show the importance of voting through music." In Florida, a battleground state, more than two dozen local musicians and producer "Nawlage," have come together to inspire people to cast their ballots. The musical campaign inspired Nawlage so much that he immediately went to register to vote.
Artists like Billie Eilish and DJ Khaled have partnered with the brains behind the Global Citizens movement to inspire youngsters to vote. Taylor Swift, Usher, and Quavo are signed up for the Just Vote Initiative, which wants to engage 50,000 young people to register to vote by November. Global Citizens will offer incentives to young people such as memorabilia donated by artists and entertainers that can only be received by checking their voter registration status. Usher has offered to donate a virtual dance lesson, while Quavo and DJ Khaled will do a virtual meet and greet. "Checking your voting status and registering to vote is easy and important," said DJ Khaled. That is why Global Citizen and Headcount have partnered together to get young voters to come out in November and have their voices heard.
Below is a list of links to support you during the voting process; every vote count.
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