RISE AGAINST

Here’s Rise Against’s Top 5 Things To Do Before and On Election Day If You Can’t Vote:

I didn't vote when I turned 18. It wasn't one of the things that I was really excited about doing once I became 18. I was more concerned about the fact that I could now get arrested for skating instead of just getting warnings. But it became more important to me as I watched history unfolding, and events being shaped by the will, or the apathy, of the people. I get to meet a lot of people under 18 now that are a lot more concerned about the world around them than I ever was, and that's really encouraging. Just because they can't vote, doesn't mean they can't help. Here's a few ways:

1) Do a voter's homework for them. People often times don't vote because they are not sure WHERE they do it, WHEN they do it, if they're even registered to vote, what precinct they are in, etc. Government sites can often be a maze of information, so pick out a few voters (your parents or siblings or friends), then find out where they can vote, where they can vote early if they want, and make sure they have a valid voter registration card. Print it all out like a "to-do" list and they'll have no excuse. If your potential voter is out of town, find out absentee ballot information for them.

2) Encourage people to vote with your MySpace, your Facebook, on your voicemail, put it as a signature line at the bottom of all of your emails, and get the word out! Include the date of election day (Nov. 4th) and voter registration deadlines (which are happening right now!)

3) Babysit for voters who are parents. If you have a younger sibling that can't be left home alone, offer to stick around after school or after your parents get off work, so they can go vote. Maybe you have nieces or nephews; help out your bro or sis and tell them you'll watch the kids if they agree to go vote.

4) Volunteer for Rock The Vote, who has registered more than 1.8 million voters so far !

5) Email your favorite band and ask them what they are doing to get out the vote, and if they aren't doing anything, ask them why not!! Create a dialogue about change and apathy. Get people thinking about their decisions or lack thereof.

Election day is November 4th, 2008!