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    ‘rock the vote’


    By: Maddy Baker

    A Valley High Student Recounts Rock the Caucus

    Thursday, January 19th, 2012

    Rock the Vote’s Rock the Caucus at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa was an event unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. When our assistant principal selected me to be a student candidate for the event’s mock caucus, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I thought, “What’s this Rock the Caucus everyone is talking about? Why was I chosen to be a part of it?”

    Teaming up with Rock the Vote for Rock the Caucus ended up being a blast. Rock the Vote and the Iowa Secretary of State’s office invited all of the Republican Presidential Candidates to the event, and four campaigns ended up attending! The student candidate group, of which I was a part, had the chance to interview and escort the candidates – Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney’s sons, Rick Santorum, and Ron Paul  – to the gymnasium where the event took place. I was assigned to interview and escort Ron Paul. It was rewarding to have one-on-one time with a presidential candidate! Through this experience I met so many wonderful and important people who want to make sure young people are involved in the political process.

    Rock the Caucus’ ability to rally the young voters of Valley High School was empowering. Throughout my high school career, I have never witnessed students have such an important platform to speak about the issues in their schools and communities and how to fix these issues. The four student candidates had a chance to take advantage of this opportunity. Each of us had one minute to stand up on stage and talk about three issues we would change at Valley High School.

    The most shocking part of the experience was the hundreds of news reporters, paparazzi, and video cameras that arrived when they heard the candidates would be speaking to us. I had never felt so nervous and excited at the same time… it was incredible! We not only had the attention of our classmates and administration, but also the attention of the nation. This made students realize what a huge role they have in voting and politics. Whether the student candidates spoke about our school dance policy, school food, support for school activities, P.E. classes, or finals, we were able to engage students on the issues that impact them. After we spoke, each of our assigned presidential candidates addressed the student body about problems that lay beyond the halls of our high school. Everyone had a lot of fun with this part – we only see candidates speak on TV, but the fact that they were speaking at our high school was unbelievable!

    After speaking about our school’s P.E. requirement, I ended up winning the student mock caucus, which was very cool. On top of that, people kept telling me they saw me on national television! It was amazing to have our speeches broadcast live to the nation.

    I think Rock the Caucus really helped to make young people aware of their role in society and the importance of their voice and vote. When we realize that we have the power to voice our opinions for others to hear, it encourages us to make our voices heard. I had so much fun teaming up with Rock the Vote. This event really changed my perspective on my role as a citizen, and I look forward to participating in politics in the future.

    Check out a few photos from Rock the Caucus here!

      Maddy Baker
      Bio: Senior at Valley High School and a Rock the Caucus student candidate.

      Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

      Tags: , , , , ,
      Posted in High School Civics, rock the vote, young voters, youth vote | Comments Off


      By: Caitlin Maguire

      Rock the Vote’s Charitybuzz Auction Launches!

      Friday, December 2nd, 2011

      In 2011, Rock the Vote turned 21. Like most 21-year-olds, we are always down to have a little fun. However, with the 2012 presidential election less than a year away, it’s time to get down to business with your help. Our plans for 2012 include running our largest youth voter registration drive ever and mobilizing millions of young Americans to the polls. To celebrate our 21st birthday and achieve our goal, we’re hosting an online celebrity auction at charitybuzz.com from December 2 – December 21, 2011 (just in time for the holidays!).

      We have a chock full list of exciting items to bid on. All you Gleeks will go crazy for our one-on-one lunch with GLEE star Darren Criss. If you’re more Team Xtina, then we have an opportunity to meet Christina Aguilera and attend a taping of The Voice. You can also get your groove on with two VIP tickets to The Ellen Show, or bring out your inner DJ with the opportunity to guest-host a Sirius XM show with DJ Skee. Aspiring writers will have the chance to draft a blog post with Perez Hilton and have it posted on Perezhilton.com. And memorabilia collectors will fawn over our signed Fender bass autographed by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz. That’s not even all of it. We have so many other awesome items donated by Rock the Vote’s celebrity supporters. Check out the full list here.

      Our charitybuzz celebrity auction is fitting; for more than two decades Rock the Vote has worked with artists, celebrities and athletes to make politics relevant to young people, registering, educating, and turning them out to voice their opinions, have a say, and participate in the political process. In 2008, more young people voted than in any previous US election- and Rock the Vote ran the largest nonpartisan voter registration drive in the history of the United States, bringing more than 2.6 million voters into the process. Currently, with 13,000 people turning 18 every day, we certainly have our work cut out for us.

      That’s why we need your help! Check out our charitybuzz auction here and help us and millions more to rock the vote in 2012. Not only will you be supporting your favorite non-profit organization (wink, wink), you (or a surprised loved one) will also get the chance to rendezvous with a favorite celebrity. What could be better?

      Don’t forget to share the auction with your other celeb-lovin’ friends. Use the hashtag #21stBIRTHDAY to keep track of the auction on Twitter!

        Caitlin Maguire
        Bio: Caitlin is the Marketing & Operations Manager for Rock the Vote
        @caitlinmagu
        Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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        By: coral@rockthevote.com

        VICTORY IS MAINE’S!

        Thursday, November 10th, 2011

        “Do you want to reject the section of Chapter 399 of the Public Laws of 2011 that requires new voters to register to vote at least two business days prior to an election?” This was the question asked to the citizens in Maine on the Tuesday, November 8th election. And the response was a major victory in the war on voting. Residents voted to keep same-day registration with 60 percent of the vote, an option Mainers have enjoyed for 38 years.

        The law was created and passed in June by a Republican legislature to reduce the threat of voter fraud. The group Protect Maine Votes retorted with a people’s veto campaign. Lance Dutson of the Maine Heritage Policy Center said the state has a rather lax voting system and voting is based mostly on the honor system. “If somebody comes in and is ineligible, whether from a malicious intent or just not knowing the rules, once their vote is cast, there is no way to pull it back,” Dutson says. “And there’s really no way to know that it happened. So in any election, if one person’s vote is negated by someone who is ineligible, that’s too much.” However, supporters of same-day registration say that in 38 years there have only been two accounts of voter fraud. Shenna Bellows of the ACLU of Maine is a supporter of same-day registration, and she said “So when you look at the facts, you’re talking not about one
        voter whose vote might be negated, you’re talking about tens of
        thousands of Mainers who would be denied their right to vote on
        Election Day.”

        Not only that, but according to Barbara McDade, president of the League of Women Voters of Maine, “Election Day registration makes it possible for many hardworking Mainers to participate. Voting is fundamental to our democracy. We shouldn’t create new ways to make participation harder.”

        So, congratulations Maine from everyone at Rock the Vote! You have achieved a great victory in defending your fundamental rights as Americans. Let us hope that other states follow Maine’s lead and reject strict voting laws!

          coral@rockthevote.com
          Bio: Coral is the Marketing Intern at Rock the Vote

          Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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          By: coral@rockthevote.com

          NEWS ROUND-UP: MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011

          Monday, October 24th, 2011

          In today’s news, President Obama says “we can’t wait” for congress any longer; Visa and Mastercard could blockade Wikileaks for good; Nevada moves its primary back to February 4th; and Obama plans to bring home American troops stationed in Iraq before the holidays. In entertainment news, the Church of Scientology is investigating South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Sean Lennon and Rufus Wainwright rocked out at Zuccotti Park last night.

          Coral + Caitlin

          CRUCIAL

          Gaddafi’s corpse continues to attract impatient Misrata hordes, http://bit.ly/pOgFaO
          Even though Muammar Gaddafi has been deceased for four days, he has yet to be buried. His corpse, along with that of his son Mutassim and his military chief, are on public display in a meat locker in Misrata. Thousands of Libyans have turned out to see them. “He made our lives hell,” said Ritha Mohammed. “I wanted to see him dead with my own eyes. Who cares if it’s not dignified for him. That was not his first concern for any of the people here.” Meanwhile, a gruesome video has surfaced of what appears to be Gaddafi’s final moments. The video depicts rebel fighters pummeling him as he appears to beg for his life. Gaddafi died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to his autopsy report.

          US pulls envoy out of Syria over security concerns, http://yhoo.it/rhg4vz
          The United States has pulled Ambassador Robert Ford out of Syria due to security concerns. The U.S. is citing President Bashar Assad’s regime for threatening Ford. The U.S. has received “credible threats against his personal safety in Syria,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Monday. Ford has been subject to intimidation by pro-government thugs, and he enraged Syrian authorities with his forceful defense of peaceful protests and harsh critique of a government crackdown that has now claimed more than 3,000 lives.

          Jobs Plan Stalled, Obama to Try New Economic Drive, http://nyti.ms/nFblWY
          Due to GOP members of congress blocking his jobs bill, President Obama plans to launch a series of executive-branch actions to confront housing, education and other economic problems over the coming months. “We can’t wait” for lawmakers to act will be Obama’s new campaign theme. According to an administrative official, the President will kick off his new offensive in Las Vegas, ground zero of the housing bust, by promoting new rules for federally guaranteed mortgages so that more homeowners can refinance and avert foreclosure.

          Steven Hayes’ prison letter details supposed rapes, killing spree prior to Cheshire home invasion, http://bit.ly/ncOnzx
          Steven Hayes was convicted last year of murder and other counts from his Cheshire home invasion and triple homicide. Now, in letters to a woman named Lynn, Hayes admits to 17 other murders. “Yes, I’ve killed before,” Hayes bragged. “I have 17 kills throughout the Northeast United States. Perfect victims and well executed, controlled endeavors.” Hayes claims to have kept a shoe from each of his victims. In the letter, he also criticizes Joshua Komisarjevsky, his accomplice in the Cheshire murders, for being weak and not possessing enough evil.

          WikiLeaks says “blockade” threatens its existence, http://reut.rs/qAdLV1
          On Monday, founder of Wikileaks Julian Assange said the site will have to stop publishing secret cables and become a purely fund-raising resource if it is unable to end a financial block by Visa and MasterCard. Wikileaks will need 3.5 million dollars to continue running after the two credit card companies stopped processing donations for the site. “If WikiLeaks does not find a way to remove this blockade, given our current levels of expenditure we will simply not be able to continue by the turn of the year,” Assange told a news conference.

          (via Wall Street Journal) Troops to Exit Iraq by Year-End, http://on.wsj.com/rax0jx: ‘President Barack Obama said Friday he was bringing all U.S. forces home from Iraq by the new year, ending a war that stretched nearly nine years, divided the country, transformed the military and left an enduring mark on American history. The chief effect of Mr. Obama’s announcement was to end any chance of a substantial U.S. troop presence in Iraq after the end of the year, a disappointment for U.S. defense officials. It was an acknowledgment that Iraqis had refused to agree to a key U.S. condition for leaving American troops behind: immunity from Iraqi law.’

          (via POLITICO Playbook) OBAMA FOCUSES ON YOUNGER VOTERS with ‘Greater Together,’ a program targeting 18-29 year-olds: ‘[T]he universe is larger than college students or first-time voters. Greater Together will work to engage first-time voters who weren’t 18 in 2008 with high school programs, college students, non college students, young professionals, returning vets, etc. Also, we plan an aggressive field campaign as well as digital campaign. Though the digital component is important, it is not the only way we are going to work to engage this demographic.’

          New Florida election law stirs up controversy, http://bit.ly/nB6Oyl
          A teacher in Florida could face thousands of dollars in fines for helping students register to vote. Jill Cicciarelli organized a drive at the start of the school year to get students registered to vote, but she did not meet the requirements for Florida’s new election laws which states that all third parties who sign up new voters must submit applications within 48 hours. “This isn’t someone who was going to commit fraud,” Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall said. “She was doing a good thing. New Smyrna Beach High School was doing a good thing.”

          Rock the Vote ramps up mobile strategy for upcoming elections, http://bit.ly/pk7N6g
          Non-profit Rock the Vote will heavily utilize mobile alerts for the upcoming 2012 election. The organization will continue to use mobile polling and alerts during live events and to drive voter registration and turnout. The group has tested its mobile alerts during primaries and has found that sending out text reminders the day before an election increases turn-out 2-4 percent. Rock the Vote will also continue to send out text messages with a link to fill out a voter registration form. “Rock the Vote is recognizing that if want to reach younger audiences, anything mobile is going to get a higher recognition,” said Dorrian Porter, CEO at Mozes, Palo Alto, CA.

          Nevada helps resolve calendar chaos, http://politi.co/quVklP
          On Saturday, Nevada’s GOP voted to move its caucus date from January 14th to February 4th. New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner is now expected to set the state’s primary for January 1st. Gardner is supposed to officially announce the date on Monday. “This change ensures that Nevada retains its prominent national role, as the first contest in the West and it restores Nevada’s full slate of delegates to the Republican National Convention,” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement. “With this decision Nevada will receive the attention it deserves, and the national spotlight will focus clearly on the devastating effects that President Obama’s economic policies have had on the Silver State.”

          (via C-SPAN) Ron Paul Courts Iowa Youth Vote, http://cs.pn/nopD8T: ‘GOP presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) held a rally tonight with University of Iowa students that coincides with the Hawkeyes’ homecoming week. Rep. Paul spoke about some of his campaign themes, including support of the second amendment, opposition to the Federal Reserve, limitations on military intervention by the U.S. and an emphasis on individual liberty.’

          CULTURAL

          Christopher Dickey backs, “Condi’s Freedom War” http://bit.ly/rrZ8YM

          Jill Lawrence describes, “Obama’s Wall Street Waltz” http://bit.ly/oiLaiv

          Scientology Targeted South Park’s Parker and Stone in Investigation, http://bit.ly/qiWBWn

          ‘SNL’ star: I did booze, crack, http://nyp.st/om0bpK

          Steve Jobs Admired Facebook’s Zuckerberg for ‘Not Selling Out’, http://buswk.co/rakvt4

          DeMarco Murray leaves his mark in Cowboys, NFL record books, http://wapo.st/mWt9KR

          Sean Lennon and Rufus Wainwright Jamming at Zuccotti Park Tonight, http://bit.ly/nBVHev

            coral@rockthevote.com
            Bio: Coral is the Marketing Intern at Rock the Vote

            Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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            By: Caitlin Maguire

            News Round-Up: Friday, October 21, 2011

            Friday, October 21st, 2011

            The ICC will further investigate Gaddafi’s death; Wal-Mart cuts healthcare for part-time employees; News Corp investors will try to oust the Murdochs at today’s annual shareholder meeting; College Republicans make a comeback; and keep talking, a new study shows cellphones do not cause cancer. In entertainment news, NBA talks break down again, and President Obama does not approve of Sasha and Malia keeping up with the Kardashians.

            Coral + Caitlin

            CRUCIAL:

            Gadhafi’s burial delayed for further investigation, goo.gl/hAJzc
            The burial of Muammar Gadhafi will be postponed so that the International Criminal Court can determine his exact cause of death. The cause is convoluted as conflicting videos show him either alive, wounded, or dead. One video shows Gadhafi struggling amongst a group of NTC soliders, begging for mercy. Another shows his body being paraded through Misrata, and The New York Times has released a video where the dictator has bullet wounds in head, raising the possibility that he was executed.

            Senate rejects big piece of Obama jobs bill, goo.gl/hAJzc
            The Senate has not passed the portion of Obama’s jobs bill that would have secured jobs for teachers and firefighters. The bill called for $30 billion to hire teachers and other school staffers. The bill also included an extra $5 billion for paying firefighters, police officers, and other first responders. The president had heavily pushed his jobs bills to the people, even embarking on a three-day bus tour to advocate for it.

            Wal-Mart Cuts Some Health Care Benefits, goo.gl/wIZ6h
            Wal-Mart, the largest private employer in the United States, is cutting healthcare coverage for its part-time employees, citing high healthcare costs. A few years ago, Wal-Mart allowed coverage for its part-time employees after many complained that they could not afford coverage and were eligible for Medicaid. Now, those who work fewer than 24 hours a week will not be eligible for insurance, and new employees who work 24 to 33 hours a week cannot cover spousal dependents on their plan. Also, employees who smoke cigarettes will be docked $10 to $90 from their paychecks if they want coverage.

            News Corp to be challenged by Tom Watson over ‘surveillance,’ goo.gl/kNrwk
            20% of News Corp’s shareholders are expected to oppose Rupert Murdoch and his sons’ reappointment at the company’s annual shareholder meeting today. The investors are bringing in Tom Watson, “the Labour MP who has been a leading figure in parliament’s investigation into the News of the World phone-hacking scandal,” to make allegations against the Murdochs. “I want to leave investors in no doubt that News Corporation is not through the worst of this yet and there are more questions for the Murdochs to answer,” said Watson. The investors’ efforts to oust the Murdochs will most likely fail as Rupert Murdoch himself owns 40% of the voting shares.

            Wisconsin Voter ID Law Faces Court Challenge, goo.gl/l5mLq
            The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Network is filing a lawsuit over the state’s new voter identification law. The group is claiming that the law violates Wisconsin’s constitution in determining who can vote. Lester Pines, an attorney working on the case, stated: “The Wisconsin Constitution only allows the legislature to exclude the two named classes from voting — felons and people ruled incompetent,” he said in a statement. “The new law creates a third class of citizens who may not vote — people who do not have ID. This lawsuit challenges the legislature’s authority to enact such a law.”

            Largest study on cellphones, cancer finds no link, goo.gl/2WYKU
            Danish scientists have found that there is actually no direct correlation between cellphones and cancer. In the largest study yet on the topic, the researchers surveyed 350,000 people, finding that there was no difference in cancer rates between people who have been using a mobile device for a decade and people who have not. Last year, a study found that heavy cell phone use could lead to a rare type of brain tumor. The study was not large enough to be considered scientific proof, but it still led the International Agency for Research on Cancer to categorize cellphones as “possibly carcinogenic,” alongside such items as coffee and gasoline.

            College Republicans base comeback on economy, goo.gl/mhsWM
            In the three years since Obama took office, there has been an increase in the number of College Republicans on campuses. “’Our biggest recruiting tool over the last four years has been President Obama,’ said Anton Dirnberger, president of the University of Michigan College Republicans. Dirnberger said regular meeting attendance has jumped from 20 members before the 2008 elections to 80 to 100 members this year, and total membership has jumped from 1,000 to 1,500 in the past three years.” Young people, who once heavily rallied for Obama, are now handicapped by student loan debt and high unemployment. “The story line among young people is ‘jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Rock the Vote spokeswoman Chrissy Faessen. “Money and politics, but also how it’s directly affecting young people in terms of them being able to get a job and pay their bills, is absolutely going to be on the top of [young people’s] minds.”

            Romney: GOP must reach out more to young people, goo.gl/kEHLf
            Speaking at Iowa’s Morningside College yesterday, Mitt Romney told the audience that the Republican party has to do a better job reaching out to youth. His statement was in response to a student’s question about how Republicans could improve outreach to young people. Romney noted, “Most young people, most college students, don’t vote for us. We’re not getting our message across. We haven’t been very good at communicating our message. We’ve been out-messaged by our Democratic friends. Ours is the party of trying to protect opportunity, and making America’s economy so strong that you get great jobs when you get out of school. Theirs is the party of benefits and hand-outs, and that doesn’t create the opportunity you want in your life.”

            CULTURAL:

            NBA Talks Break Down, With Sides Far Apart, goo.gl/dve2h

            Lindsay Lohan expected at county morgue at 8 a.m., http://goo.gl/eCvzV

            Bon Jovi in his own words, bringing Soul to those in need, http://goo.gl/jI8Nq

            Barack Obama Not A Fan Of The Kardashians, Michelle Says, http://goo.gl/6LymD

              Caitlin Maguire
              Bio: Caitlin is the Marketing & Operations Manager for Rock the Vote
              @caitlinmagu
              Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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