Lena Dunham, actress and creator of HBO’s “Girls” has been hanging out with Lil’ Jon, along with Whoopi Goldberg, Fred Armisen and many other celebs to turn down for what? Turn out to vote. In an effort to encourage young citizens to vote, the unlikely pair created a music video that was released last month in partnership with the non-profit organization, Rock the Vote.
According to Rock the Vote, “Millennials have the potential to be the largest voting bloc in our country, but are voting at a fraction of their size, with an estimated 30 million young people staying home in 2012.” It is estimated on their site that there are approximately 86 million American millennials in the United States.
Midterm elections are being held today (Nov. 4), and though your high school social studies classes tended to only briefly skim the event (much like you skimmed the social studies textbook), these elections are important. The midterm elections elect state representatives for The House of Representatives every two years, and for the Senate every six years. This year, voters especially have the power to dictate the ruling party in the Senate, aka the way laws regarding education, marriage equality, reproductive rights, human rights, prison reform, women’s rights, deforestation, global warming awareness, racial equality and more will be made.
Currently Democrats hold control of the Senate, but according to ABC News Republicans need a net gain of six seats to take control and there are currently 36 total Senate seats on the ballot, 16 of which could be seen as potentially swinging to a different party.
It’s up to voters, especially those between the ages of 18 and 24 like you to get out and vote today. Vote not only for how you’ll be represented, but also for a cause you’re passionate about, whether that be women’s rights like Sophia Bush, reproduction rights like “Lil’ Lena” or even the legalization of marijuana like Lil’ Jon – your vote matters.