Punk Voter

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Punk Voter is an American political activism group drawn primarily from members of the punk rock scene. Its members seek to take the ideals of punk rock societal rebellion and applies them to today's political situation in America. Punk Voter is a coalition of Punk bands, musicians, record labels and like minded organisations which aim to educate, register and mobilise young voters. They are about uniting the different youth movements into one voice for political change. This was specifically orientated around the 2004 US elections.

Punk Voter arose out of the organisers’ punk ethos that is that, punks have always spoken out and preached social change no matter whether their political orientation is left or right. They aim to use music’s major on culture and politics to bring about changes for their idea of a better future.

Punk Voter also organised Rock Against Bush, a series of concerts which was followed by CDs which were a compilation of songs from participating bands and DVD material containing comedy skits as well as political video content.

The site also contains links to activists, artists, news sources and voting websites as well as the link for downloading the national voting registration form prominently displayed on their websites side bar.

As well as this they have downloadable ad campaign flyers and stickers so their message can be taken to the street by their supporters. There are also media releases informing the public of Punk Voters activities.

[edit] Objectives

Punk Voter has three objectives:

• To activate punks and other young people to participate in elections. This objective focuses on getting young people to actually vote.

• To expose the chaotic policies of George W. Bush and his current administration. They aim to run interactive and creative voter education programs by taking their message to the streets and including other interested groups.

• To build a coalition of informed voters who can individually and collectively influence public policy.

It was founded by Fat Mike, leader of the punk band NoFX

[edit] Today

Despite Bush being re-elected in 2004 Punk Voter still provides current news for concerned punk voters. Punk Voter covers many issues, but its four basic ones which all members agree on are: protecting personal freedoms, restoring the environment, overhauling the Justice Department and demanding economic responsibility. It also does guest columns in which members (usually from bands) can talk about specific issues that concern them and give their personal opinion.

[edit] External link

• Punk Voter