Music for America Takes on Election Day

By Annie Dineen

As the congressional elections drew closer and the need to register young voters increased, Music for America discovered the key to getting youth interested: combining politics with music. The goal of Music for America was to inspire young people to register to vote and go out and make a difference. Rather than simply discussing change in America, the key is to cast one's vote for a candidate whose views represent one's own. Music for America understands this necessity, and was out registering voters in full force in the days preceding November 7, Election Day.

So why did Music for America choose music to empower young people to vote?

First, by placing volunteer-run stands at concerts, they could connect with young people in a way that other types of media could not. They also offered free admission to young people who worked at the booths, registering voters as they entered and exited the show and spreading the word. Also, Music for America recognized the power of numbers. In 2000, George W. Bush won New Mexico by 366 votes. The capacity of the Sunshine Theatre in Albuquerque is 400. Get it?

"The Millennial Generation (people under 30) is as big as the Baby Boom. With the highest turnout in more than 30 years, young people overwhelmingly voted for change in 2004," says MFA Executive Director, Molly Moon Neitzel. "Young people now have the power to change the direction this country is headed in this election, and we are going to exercise that power."

Many well-known groups came out to support Music for America this election year, including Death Cab for Cutie, Bare Naked Ladies, the Decemberists, the Beastie Boys, Calexico, Flogging Molly, Jimmy Eat World, Living Things, and Yellowcard as well as a wide variety of more unknown bands. "We're honored to be working with Music for America. This is a crucial year for elections and its very important to us that as many people as possible get out and vote and have access to the electoral process," said Nick Harmer, bassist of Death Cab for Cutie.

Music for America is a wonderful group dedicated to the young voter and the power of change. Music may be one of the most effective avenues for reaching passionate young people, and offering free entry to concerts for supporting a cause mandatory in order to create change is brilliant. They have registered many voters with the support of hundreds of bands.