See how these musicians are using their voices on Election Day
Today marks Election Day in the United States, where Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Republican incumbent Donald Trump are hoping to obtain or retain The White House. This election is unlike any other in many ways. Not only are we living through a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, but we have also seen the current POTUS show signs of authoritarianism and emboldening white supremacists.
In response to this, many musicians are using their platforms to encourage fans to register to vote, cast their ballot and fill in a circle for Biden.
Read more: Here’s what Tom Morello thinks the Democratic Party can do better
On this contentious day in American history, artists are prompting their fans to get out to vote and share their “I Voted” stickers. Check out the list of musicians performing their civic duty this election season, and make sure to give Alternative Press’ Election Day 2020 playlist a listen below.
Halsey
I am anxious. I’m sure you are too. This is a bandaid. But a necessary action. Empower yourself. Empower others. Empower the memory of those who didn’t have the ability to vote. For your ancestors and for your future. Sending Love. #BidenHarris2020 pic.twitter.com/WUDhVxwNqC
— h (@halsey) November 2, 2020
Halsey isn’t afraid to share her politics, both in her music and on her social media platforms. Prior to today’s election, she interviewed Sen. Bernie Sanders on various policies and why he’s voting for Biden. She is a Biden/Kamala Harris supporter for their promises of women’s rights, LGBTQ+ protections and more. She admitted, like many people in the States, that she’s anxious.
K.Flay
HOW DO U RATE MY VOTING STYLE pic.twitter.com/UXLRTxUgSS
— K.Flay (@kflay) October 10, 2020
Singer K.Flay turned in her absentee ballot early in October and had a dance party as she did so. Of course, she looked awesome as she dropped her letter in the ballot box in her Rage Against The Machine shirt.
Lady Gaga
Category: Ballot Drop Off Realness pic.twitter.com/3cYeStflOH
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) October 27, 2020
Lady Gaga has been one of the most politically active mainstream musicians this year for Biden. She even appeared at his rally yesterday in Pennsylvania. She sent in her ballot in October and did it in typical Gaga fashion: in shiny platform boots.
Kesha
When I think of our country I think of people, the American people. Us. I want a leader who has empathy; someone who works to understand others and someone to trust in. If you are like me then the choice today is clear. Go Vote! #HereComesTheChange #vote pic.twitter.com/qmKH2azSHA
— kesha (@KeshaRose) November 3, 2020
Pop star and activist Kesha got out to vote this afternoon and tweeted, “If you are like me then the choice today is clear. Go Vote!”
Jack Barakat
For the love of god please vote!! Also…and this is very important..don’t forget to do your roots! pic.twitter.com/QtzOV5fxSs
— Jack from MySpace (@JackBarakat) October 7, 2020
Jack Barakat from All Time Low voted early this year and shared his “I Voted” sticker in October. Along with encouraging ATL fans to vote, he also gave some great hair advice.
Ray Toro
Please vote Walking Bag of Shit, also known as Donald Trump, out of office. He is a stain on our country that has lingered for too long. Vote early, and if you can, get your friends and your family to vote too. We have all suffered enough. pic.twitter.com/g8v1mpkmTE
— raytoro (@raytoro) October 24, 2020
Ray Toro of My Chemical Romance sent in his vote in late October and encouraged fans to vote out Trump. “We have all suffered enough,” he noted in a tweet.
Rian Dawson
All Time Low drummer Rian Dawson cast his vote today and reminded his followers to “spread love today no matter what, rise above all that other shit and short-sightedness, be kind, be compassionate.”
Joel Madden
Cast a vote! 🇺🇸
— ARTISTFRIENDLY (@JoelMadden) November 3, 2020
You heard Good Charlotte‘s Joel Madden. Make sure your voice is heard today!
Dan Lambton
https://twitter.com/donnylumpkins/status/1323632220049952770?s=20
Former Real Friends vocalist Dan Lambton sees the polls and knows you see them, too. The only way to ensure a Democratic win is to vote.
Kid Cudi
Vote for Biden if you a real one pic.twitter.com/esljuXKvpL
— The Chosen One (@KiDCuDi) November 3, 2020
Rapper and Cleveland native Kid Cudi sported his “I Voted” sticker this afternoon. Sport yours all day, too!
Oliver Baxxter
#vote pic.twitter.com/PJjFvK7guP
— OliverBaxxter (@OliverBaxxter) November 3, 2020
Broadside frontman Oliver Baxxter hit the polls bright and early this morning and shared his voting sticker. Did you get your sticker yet?
Ryan Scott Graham
It’s really easy to make judgment calls when your life and your well-being isn't the one at stake. The impact of voting may seem marginal to you, but some people live within those margins and their lives are decided by those margins. Maybe it’s not all about you for once.
— Ryan Scott Graham (@RyanScottGraham) November 3, 2020
State Champs‘ Ryan Scott Graham shared some hard truths with his Twitter followers today. To people who don’t vote, it may seem like one ballot won’t change much, but that is far from true, and having that belief is a privilege. There’s still time to get your voice heard!
Awsten Knight
DON’T EVEN LET IT BE CLOSE,
DON’T PAY ATTENTION TO DISTRACTIONS,
JUST VOTE, THAT’S IT!
JUST! VOTE! THAT’S! IT!
🥏🧊🥣💧🦕🧢🧞♂️🦋💙#VOTE #VOTE #VOTE https://t.co/XGgfen9V24— ST*R (@awsten) November 2, 2020
Waterparks and Awsten Knight know that the maps and polls all point to a Biden win but still hope their fans vote to secure a Democratic victory. Why take any chances today?
Geoff Rickly
I just voted IN PERSON. It’s not too late. GET OUT THERE AND DO IT!!!
— Geoffrey Rickly (@GeoffRickly) November 3, 2020
Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly went to the polls himself and assured us that there’s still plenty of time. Make sure you take his advice and hop in line ASAP.
Lzzy Hale
Calling all Freaks: mask up&go vote!Your voice matters! Tag me in your post vote photo and I will retweet it as a showing of unity & celebration of our duty as Americans. Vote4you, vote4our futuregen,vote4love,vote4hope, vote4equality, vote4future Rock shows!! #VOTE #VoteAgainst
— Lzzy Hale (@LZZYHALE) November 3, 2020
Lzzy Hale of Halestorm hopes you put on your mask and get to the polls if you haven’t already. There’s a chance she will retweet your voting picture, too!
Sharon Osbourne
#Vote #Vote2020 #ElectionDay #ElectionDay2020 pic.twitter.com/b0ASfnPQbi
— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) November 3, 2020
Rock royalty Sharon Osbourne shared a photo of her wearing her voting sticker paired with a “VOTE” shirt to celebrate Election Day.
Cody Carson
Today is so incredibly important. If you are of age, go out there and let your voice be heard. EVERY single vote matters and counts towards that final result. #Vote2020 pic.twitter.com/JPshnqGjk8
— 💖 Cody Carson 💖 (@CodySIO) November 3, 2020
Set It Off singer Cody Carson posted a selfie proving he got out to vote and made sure his followers know that every vote counts. He even retweeted a few fans with their “I Voted” stickers.
Taylor Momsen
#vote pic.twitter.com/cxCCG2TSZj
— Taylor Momsen (@taylormomsen) November 3, 2020
Taylor Momsen, lead singer of the Pretty Reckless, got out to the polls and shared her “I Voted” sticker on her mask.
Foo Fighters
#Vote 🤘 pic.twitter.com/pfyGUM4mA4
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) November 3, 2020
Foo Fighters made it to the polls today. Did you? There’s still time left in the day! Frontman Dave Grohl supports Biden and even chatted about education with Dr. Jill Biden.
Jake Bundrick
But hopefully today is a step in the right direction. I want live music back too and I’m sure every artist, crew member, rigger, manager, venue owner and booker all feel the same way. Not only do we love music, but it’s how we survive in this world. Vote!
— Jake from Mayday Parade (@JakeMaydayP) November 3, 2020
Jake Bundrick of Mayday Parade shared his concerns with his Twitter followers about the uncertain future of live music and where it could, unfortunately, lead if we have four more years of Trump. He encourages all his band’s fans to vote and said, “…hopefully today is a step in the right direction.”
Get more information on voting and upcoming elections from one of the below online resources:
HeadCount (Campaigning and registration information).
Vote.org (Absentee and early voting rules for each state).
Rock The Vote (A nonpartisan nonprofit making democratic participation more accessible).
TurboVote (Election reminders, voter registration and absentee ballot applications).
You can check your polling place here, and make sure to wear a mask when you head out to vote.