Punkvoter

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Punkvoter is an American political activist group and website founded by Fat Mike, frontman of NOFX. Its supporters are primarily left-liberal members of the punk subculture.

Punkvoter seeks to take the ideals of punk rock rebellion and apply them to the contemporary political situation in the United States. It is a coalition of punk musicians, record labels and likeminded organisations that aim to educate, register and mobilise young voters. The coalition was particularly oriented around the 2004 US elections. Punkvoter arose out of the ethos that punks have always spoken out and promoted social change; no matter their political orientation. Punkvoter organised Rock Against Bush, a series of concerts that was followed by a compilation CD featuring music from bands on the tour and DVD material containing comedy skits and political content.

The website includes media releases; columns by guest writers (usually punk musicians); downloadable flyers and stickers; as well as links to activists, artists, news sources and voting websites. Punkvoter covers many issues, but its four basic principals are: protecting personal freedoms, restoring the environment, overhauling the justice department and demanding economic responsibility. According to the website, Punkvoter 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.

After George W. Bush was re-elected in 2004, Fat Mike stated: "I was only bummed for a couple days, cuz we did our part at Punkvoter. We accomplished everything we set out to do. We just lost the election. If I had done nothing, I would have felt a lot worse."