Power to the People: A Playlist with Voter Resources
By: Celine Vazquez ‘24
The 2020 election is undeniably the most important election in American history. Because of its importance, it’s imperative that we empower people to vote! I made this election playlist that you can jam out to when filling out your ballot at home, or waiting in line at the polls. Along with each song are important voting resources you can use this election! Let’s get voting, USC!
1) Power To The People - John Lennon
“Say we want a revolution, we better get on right away.”
John Lennon had the right idea - if we want to see ourselves reflected in our government, we have to get on our feet and hit the polls! This voter guide will allow you to type in your address so you can see who/what is on your ballot.
2) Turntables - Janelle Monáe
“The table about to turn, the table about to turn.”
This song is an empowering ballad about using your voice to fight for democracy. Use this California voter guide for a nice, unbiased breakdown of all the propositions on your ballot!
3) Rise Up - Andra Day
“And I know you feel like dying, but I promise we’ll take the world to its feet and move mountains.”
The coronavirus pandemic has proved to be exhausting, and has altered many of our lives. While it feels tiring, this election we can use our voices to make change. Use this ballot tracker to make sure your ballot is counted and your voice is heard!
4) My Shot - The Hamilton Mixtape
“Yo I’m just like my country I’m young, scrappy and hungry, and I’m not throwin’ away my shot.”
Do not throw away your shot! So many people have fought for our right to vote, and it’s important that we use that privilege and not throw it to waste. To make sure other people use “their shot” to vote, look here for ways to connect with people who are at risk of not voting!
5) Democracy - The Lumineers
“Democracy is coming to the USA, to the USA.”
In order for democracy to work, we have to make sure that everybody participates! We the people make democracy run. Use these tips given by the CDC to make sure you are ready to vote safely.
6) Revolution - The Beatles
“Well, you know, we all want to change the world.”
Like the Beatles say, we all want to make a positive impact on the world. Although it can be difficult finding out where to start, there is one guarantee - we can use our vote to make an impact! Use this non-partisan PDF to learn more about the candidates and what is at stake during the 2020 election.
7) Crown - CHIKA
“I’m on an elevator, I’m onto something greater. Ain’t nobody gonna take my crown.”
This song is all about not letting anybody get in your way. This applies to voting - do not let anybody/anything stop you from exercising your right! Take a look at this statement put out by Uber to learn about their efforts to help people who may not have transportation to get to the polls this year.
8) Waiting on the World to Change - John Mayer
“It’s hard to beat the system when we’re standing at a distance.”
This lyric applies metaphorically (we have proven that we can make change at a distance during this pandemic). If you stand at a distance from your right to vote, there is no way you can possibly implement change into your communities. This final resource is a hub of FAQs for first-time voters. Inform yourself, and use it to your advantage!
It’s been a rough year, but we need to remind ourselves to get our there and VOTE. We have the amazing opportunity to influence the way America operates, and we can’t let such a privilege go to waste. USC - get out there, cast your ballot, and fight on! (A link to this playlist can be found here.)
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