A Brief History of ‘Rock the Vote’

In 1992 alone, Rock the Vote was responsible for influencing many of the two million newly registered voters. How did this influence group tear young people away from their stereotypical headphones and involve them in politics? Rock the Vote still has the answer today: “(It)…engages youth in the political process by incorporating the entertainment community and youth culture into its activities. From actors to musicians, comedians to athletes, Rock the Vote harnesses cutting-edge trends and pop culture to make political participation cool [www.rockthevote.com].” Partnered with MTV, this interest group knows exactly how to pinpoint youth in today’s society and accentuate the power of voter registration.

Originally founded in 1990, Rock the Vote remains a non-profit organization to this day. The elements of freedom of speech and artistic expression are greatly emphasized throughout the group’s activities. Events such as television specials hosted by Queen Latifah in 1992, and Peabody Award-winning films such as “Out of Order: Rock the Vote Targets Health” help make this group’s objective a success. In addition to the Peabody Award, Rock the Vote was the first organization to offer registration via telephone (1-800-ROCK VOTE), and online (NetVote as a collaboration with MCI). In 1998, because of these registration advancements, Rock the Vote received the Computerworld Smithsonian Award for Innovation in Technology.

Rock the Vote is not limited to only receiving awards, however. When the first Executive Director of Rock the Vote, Patrick Lippert, was diagnosed with AIDS and died of pneumonia in 1993, the Rock the Vote Patrick Lippert Awards was made an annual event. The awards were established to recognize those who inspire young people. Sheryl Crow and LL COOL J were among the award recipients in 1997, and more recently, the Dave Matthews Band and Destiny’s Child received the award in 2002.

Celebrities and citizens alike are empowered to lend their time and services to Rock the Vote. Dubbed “Community Street Teams,” thousands of young people have the opportunity to become involved. Team members generously volunteer by registering new voters on the phone, online, at festivals, concerts, parades and at other Rock the Vote sponsored events. As of 2002, thirty-five cities fostered Rock the Vote Community Street Teams, with over one thousand volunteers and eight thousand hours of community service.

The years of service Rock the Vote Street volunteers have graciously donated have been worth the effort for more than a decade. In addition to encouraging voter registration, two laws backed by Rock the Vote were signed in 1993. The Motor Voter Bill and the National and Community Service Trust Act were both signed by Bill Clinton- a major accomplishment for a fairly new interest group.

On a side note, Rock the Vote appealed to me because I know many young people are indifferent to politics. This particular interest group is dedicated to educating young people and giving them the opportunity to become more involved in their government. If our nation is truly “for the people, by the people,” then all people should be to take the time to vote, and Rock the Vote encourages the younger generation of voters to do just that. For more information, visit www.rockthevote.org

Works consulted: http://www.rockthevote.com/
http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/student-involvement-and-interest-in-politics-on-the-decline-1.855850 Feld, Jessica. The Daily Cardinal. Nov 1, 2009.