Joss Whedon Wants You To Vote

By Ally Russell on September 25, 2016

The countdown has officially begun. It’s less than two months to Election Day, and for most of us, it will be our first time voting in a presidential election. It may not seem like the most exciting thing in the world, but this is what the founding fathers fought for – the right to vote and to be represented in government.

Now, you have a choice and can vote for the candidate you think will best represent you and your idea of how the country should be run. And now that it is slowly approaching Election Day, many people are trying to get others to register, celebrities included.

pexels.com

Joss Whedon’s Involvement

The most prominent person in recent weeks to have encouraged people to get registered is Marvel’s Avengers director, Joss Whedon. Joss, who has been absent from social media for a year, recently re-activated his Twitter account to tweet out a video that he created featuring tons of celebrities.

Some people on the A-List include Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, James Franco, and Keegan-Michael Key, just to name a few. It’s a video that encourages those of us that feel that our vote wouldn’t matter, that it does matter. If you want to see Joss Whedon’s whole creation, you can check it out here!

Their website, Save the Day says the following about the video.

“We are a short-form digital production company dedicated to the idea that voting is a necessary and heroic act. That every voice in this wonderfully diverse nation should, and must, be heard. That the only thing that can save Democracy is the act that defines it. We are committed to fighting the apathy, cynicism, and honest confusion that keeps citizens from using their vote. And to reminding an increasingly out-of-touch and compromised set of representatives that they are answerable to the people they were hired to serve.”

Their mission is selfless, and definitely inspired me to encourage others.

Rock the Vote

While following Joss Whedon’s route is one way to register, there are many other ways to be prepared for Election Day. One way is to check out Rock the Vote. Rock the Vote is a great resource where you can get all kinds of information about the election such as voter registration deadlines, information about an absentee ballot, or where you can vote. And, if you feel so inclined, you can sign up to receive reminders that count down to Election Day, just in case you’re afraid you’re going to miss it.

Rock the Vote also lets its users sign up to volunteer and spread the word about Election Day. You can:

•Host an event such as a voter registration drive, vote rally or vote house party. All fun ways to encourage your peers to register!

•Help register online voters.

•Spread the word through Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks, such as Tumblr.

•Sign up for a Democracy class which brings awareness to your school using Rock the Vote methods and tools.

•Pledge to Rock the Vote by being informed about the upcoming election.

What is Ballotpedia?

However, it is important to remember that this Election Day isn’t all about voting for president. There are other congressmen up for election either for Congress or for your state offices, not to mention the town or city that you live in might also be holding elections for mayor or sheriff.

I recently found this website called Ballotpedia. This website allows you to enter your address and see the potential candidates you will see on the ballot come November. They also allow you to click on a candidate’s name and you will be re-directed to a Wikipedia-esque article that tells you all kinds of information about the candidate. For example, you can see previous elections involving the candidate, campaign donors, and highlights about the issues and policies they wish to enact.

If it weren’t for this website, I would not feel as prepared as I do now to enter the voting booth and circle my candidates. Some people who are first-time voters don’t even realize that other candidates will be on the ballot and it’s important to be aware of these people and vote for those who you feel best represent you.

What is most important, above all else, is that you vote for not only the presidential candidate you wish to be elected, but also vote for congressmen on the national, state, and local levels. Our system of government is based on a system of checks and balances; the president can’t work without Congress and Congress can’t run without the president. Just because your preferred presidential candidate doesn’t get elected doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. If a congressional candidate that you voted for gets elected, they will still continue to represent your best interests.

Your voice does matter. Even if you think that this election is hopeless and the country is going to fall to ruin, don’t give up hope. Your vote counts for something which is what our country is founded upon. That principle that everyone should have a representative that keeps their best interests in mind and voting for, not only the president, but for congressmen, governors, and mayors, will make your voice heard in the government.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format