History of voting!

Through sharp and hard-hitting animation rooted in a youth pop cultural aesthetic, and by using celebrity narrators ­Grammy Award winning artist John Legend, Glee's Darren Criss, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and R&B singer, Bridget Kelly - the video speaks directly to millennials' sense of what is exciting, important and cool. By doing so, the video engages them in a discussion about America's voting history and inspires them to register to vote.
Teachers across the country are educating their students about the importance of voting & registering them to vote with Rock the Vote's Democracy Class. Sign up to join them here: bit.ly/GMuRoi
Video Credits:
Director: Ian Inaba
Producer: Sara Dosa
Animator: Haik Hoisington
Character Illustration: Craig Patches
Sound Design: Paul Bercovitch
Song: Prophet "Untitled," produced by Fredrik "Goatmilk" Karlsson
Camera: James Moore, Arturo Perez Jr, Jared Seltzer
Sound/Lights: Chris Frasier
Special Thanks: Shira Lazar

[@dylansobey3114]

ew theyre forcing us to watch this perez hilton is gross

[@natebloom1715]

This is a simple but accurate history lesson on voting rights in the USA, and one that young people can relate to. It's great! Saying it's "liberal" I think means that it is an "educated" look at reasons that may compel young people to register and vote. Yes!

[@TalzRei]

John Legend AND Darren, enough said!

[@kiara1598]

We can determine who has the right to marry. Marriage equality in all 50 states... Let's go for it Darren :D

[@gaoyanxie7264]

teacher sent me here

[@AshiGurl17]

Only here for Darren. Nothing else matters♥

[@Isabella-bk5lc]

My teacher made us watch this today when I saw Darren I filped 😂

[@ethangreen5270]

Isabella Rendon SAME LIKE I ALMOST SCREAMED LMAO

[@i_dont_like_my_username]

Me too!

[@i_dont_like_my_username]

Me too!!

[@crushsatan]

Your vote doesn't necessarily count. Too bad they don't go any further back than America. I want to know when voting REALLY started. Not in Greece. It has to be before that. I plan to abstain from voting for the time being. I think it's a sham.

[@sb3424]

Ah yes, the public schools have become a center for left-wing indoctrination I see. The truth is much more complicated and nuanced than the narrative they try to push here. Don't believe everything your teachers tell you about politics and economics. They have a bias. Do your own research.

[@monov]

Hello from 2020 one day before the election

[@tomcat80r29]

Blah!!! Why in the heck should I participate in a political system that's shit.

[@KraziiIsMe]

"I'm legal." "Oh, so you can vote? We should vote together some time." Yes, please!

[@susanaserrano5571]

This video is still very relevant.

[@jahbahx2324]

ALL OF THIS IS JSUT ARE GAME BABYLON IS PLAYING VOTE OR NOT THEY PUT WHO THEY WANT IN POWER IT IS THERE SYSTEM THEY MAKE THE LAWS N.W.O

[@jahbahx2324]

+JAHBAH X I AM VOTING EVERY DAY FOR GOD I DONT HAVE TO WAIT VERY 4 OR 5 YEARS TO DO THAT

[@HandicapGamerz]

What I will never understand is why so many people think The US is a Democracy.

[@campingramen1841]

@HandicapGamerz Because it is one

[@CamilloBelforte]

all fair and true, but i still think abortion is a cruel choice which shouldn't pass anywhere. and by this i do not mean to diminish women, but i just think that abortion equals murder.

[@Marie678]

As a US citizen, you can say what you want here, that's one of our rights in a democratic country.

[@mitchhardy1]

2:57 that voice crack

[@MamaFeng]

It was very minor... And it's pretty common for some people to have those little spikes every now and then when they're talking, specially her, who talks in a higher pitch and has a natural rasp to her voice. That wasn't a voice crack, it was just a vocal quirk

[@michaellipschutz2620]

CERTAIN 17 YEAR OLDS ARE ALLOWED TO VOTE IN PRIMARIES IN 16 STATES IN THE USA. By studying the election laws we can get more people voting and we can have a greater influence on the election. In order to vote in the November 2018 general election, you have to be 18 years old. But then you are eligible to vote in the corresponding spring primary of 2018. When you vote in the spring primary you will be 17 years old, and you will have to know these laws so that you can REGISTER TO VOTE, for the important spring primary. Here is a list of the only states right now that allow 17 year olds to vote in primaries in 2018; Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, West Virginia, and Virginia. People living in these states should talk to their friends and neighbors about these liberal voting laws. For more information, go to google. Let's look forward to the important 2018 elections. Let's everyone vote in 2018!

[@michaellipschutz2620]

It is now 2019. In the 2020 primary elections, 25 states now have 17 year olds voting in their primary elections. WOW, 25 states. Each year more states are changing their laws to allow some of their older 17 year olds to vote in their primary elections. To get a complete list of the 25 states, go to Google and google in "17 year olds voting in the USA." In 2020, thousands of seniors in high school will have the opportunity to vote in their primary elections. LET'S EVERYONE VOTE IN 2020.

[@GenerationX1984]

Also, there's a lot of voters who don't really have a developed opinion and would probably prefer not to vote anyway. Why do we Americans encourage everybody to vote including people who don't know anything about what's going on in politics? That's pretty stupid too. Making people feel guilty for not voting when politics doesn't interest them enough for them to make an informed decision. WTF??? WHY?

[@KENDALLSCHMIDTLOV100]

I understand what you're saying completely and I get that it happens because when you're not allowed to do something it makes you want to do it even more. Kind of like Marijuana and other drugs. Also turning the prohibition that was one of the worst times of alcohol consumption. I get what you're saying but some things that are out lawed (gay marriage, marijuana, etc.) aren't as bad as a gun. I know marijuana is bad but tobacco is worse in some cases really.

[@KENDALLSCHMIDTLOV100]

Well, when I turn 18, I will be voting. I agree that people need to stop deciding on some things. Some things that are legal REALLY shouldn't be. Kinda like smoking and guns. The tobacco company would lose a lot of money and so would gun makers. They all have rules and warnings but this country is so weird with their government. We don't have a king but sometimes it feels like the government is babying us and trying to our jobs!

[@supyall112]

No they aren't saying that it is fully a bad thing to own a gun, they are saying that you have the right to vote on how relaxed gun laws can be and how access to weaponry that has a greater fire power (such as an M16) is easier than it should be. They are saying that the young people of America should vote so as to ensure that the country is a better place, a safer place, for everyone.

[@br0wn3y3dgirl91]

The sad thing about this is that all the information presented in this video is stuff everyone in the US is taught all throughout middle school and high school and yet there are so many people that are unaware of this history or they choose to ignore it. People complain all the time about the government but they don't try to do what they can to help by voting.

[@MishkaBristow]

Sensible stuff like this makes me want to vote, not in America cos I'm British. A lot of the issues used in this video are present in the rest of the world, and it's important for young people everywhere, not just in the States to exercise their right to vote. We'll soon be the ones running the world, and we should have a say in how it's shaped.

[@GorgeousGalxxx]

I found this video because of Darren but I realise that this video is not about Darren. It is about Americans not using their rights to vote. I'm not American but I know that when I'm old enough in my country, I'm going to vote. This video makes good points even if you're not American. This is about the right to vote. Not Darren.

[@xXxHoney01xXx]

I think of voting as a matter of course, but I realize that that is not the case for everyone. But I still don't understand how someone can just pass up one of their main rights. Think of all the people in the world who don't get a say in how their lives and their community is going to be run in the future.

[@Schutzenegl1]

And to tell you the truth ... it isnt about personal protection... well not in the sense most people think. the second amendment is about the people being armed so that the government would not use the military to take away their freedoms, like the english did when we were colonies.

[@5548Gunny]

"and what possessions should be outlawed.." besides firearms that the SCOTUS has ruled in Heller vs DC are a right to own given reasonable restrictions, exactly what possessions should be "outlawed"? Because, you know, it showed bad evil full auto rifle as an example.

[@DarrensGirl1958]

I didn't say it was! If I was old enough to vote, I'd vote for it to be legal, too! It'd solve a lot of problems... And as for Darren voting to legalize it, I see his point. And it kind of sounded like in this video that he was implying it wasn't a good thing... Maybe, maybe not.

[@PotatoSoupT]

OMG (sorry 4 caps) BUT OMG DARREN.. I CANT KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE WHEN YOU TALK.... AND ECSPECIALLY HOW YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT GAY MARRIGE!!! (we all know he thought of chris when he said that..) im sorry i just skipped to the parts with darren it was easier to listen!

[@zahraschue3315]

I don't get why you wouldn't vote. Where I live, voting is obligatory for 18+. I'm not saying that that's the perfect solution, but if you are lucky enough to have the right to vote, then do it. Research the candidates, and decide who you think should lead your country.

[@ArturoStojanoff]

In my country it's illegal not to vote. You can vote NOTA, but if you don't go to vote you get in trouble when you like want to get out of the country or stuff like that where you have to have all your stuff in order. And I think you get a fine.

[@GenerationX1984]

Question: We don't let anybody under 18 vote so why do we let people with 2 digit IQ's vote? Doesn't make sense. You'd think a 3 digit IQ would be the minimum requirement for voting. That's not too much to ask. It really isn't. Why are we so stupid?!

[@jbevan70]

Gary Johnson is the only candidate who supports gay marriage rights, a woman's right to choose, protection of our civil liberties, fiscal responsibility, and an end to unnecessary military intervention. Remember that in November.

[@bwilliams13able]

I think we should have test for people to vote. Just not "racist" test. I don't care if someone is gay, black, female or all of the above, they should learn the issues and not just be able to chant a candidates name.

[@Schutzenegl1]

how many more DONT happen because of guns? Cities with the most restrictive gun laws have the highest gun crimes... why is it that every mass shooting has happened in a gun free zone but never even once at a gun show?

[@KENDALLSCHMIDTLOV100]

Yes, I know what the second amendment is about. I just don't think that guns should be completely legal to tell you the truth, I mean it sounds childish but a hell of a lot of murders have been done by shootings.

[@07SANTIP]

to live democracy we must first know our history, para vivir la democracia primero tenemos que conocer nuestra historia ...

[@THDOOWWSS]

it's just because of Darren that i watched this video. I'm not even an American. but i vote too in the netherlands :] but i don't have to vote for marriage equality cause it is already legal.

[@IronAnimation]

Well first off, IQ has as much relevance to political decisions as you're grades in elementary school do. Do you have any idea how useless IQ scores are for comparing intelligence? we arn't being so stupid?!, your idea is just bad. I encourage you to look up the extensive,varied, issues with iq scores before using them as a system of anything. Then again, most people can agree that atleast half of the politicians are pretty stupid.

[@katalizi]

In Australia, voting is compulsory and in the last election at least 97% of the country voted. And we ended up with a hung parliament, which meant no one won! YAY! We sure got the government we deserve. HOWEVER, because we actually participated, we have the right to call out our leaders when they fail to deliver, and our voices DO lead to change. If you don't exercise your basic human right to vote, then why would your leaders bother to listen to you at any other time?

[@PotatoSoupT]

for me to vote i would need glee to be on everyday.. and starship to come on my tv.. and for starkid to have their own channel... o yea and for me to be alot older to vote :)

[@viewer409]

You left out the Electoral College and how that works with voting. This video has good production value but seems to emphasize that we have a simple popular vote system.

[@DrawMeFirst]

@kellyjo562 And the pro-arms side, which looks a little scary. Darren'll have us killed while we hallucinate... But you know what they say, die for a cause. XD

[@everlasting9292]

Agreed. It shouldn't be an issue to vote on, it shouldn't even be an issue. It should just be possible for all people to marry anyone they choose!! XD

[@DrawMeFirst]

...and where can I vote? Not online, I'm sure, because I'm under 18 and I don't get a say; when really they're all deciding my future world for me. Okay.

[@girls73r]

Darren is killing me and honestly I'm.just here because of him. And them I really like the video (most of Darren) and I'm not even american !

[@199NickYT]

I do like this, however I wish it were more bi-partisan. Everything they mentioned was a liberal talking point, and they basically said it was more important that the man who was in power be black than how he would have exercised his power.

[@EmoXCarebear]

Ohmygod Darren Criss. If he can't make more people go out and vote, no one can. I mean he's Harry friggin' Potter for christ's sake. :)

[@Adrien-is-not-here]

What would it take for me to vote? Maybe Darren standing there saying 'if you vote you can kiss me'... Too bad I dont live in america then.

[@spoiledegroll8799]

This guy be looking like human frankenstein

[@sweetbaconiskool]

im here because i follow darren criss on twitter i would do anything that darren criss told me to do i would even jump off a bridge

[@FranckoPhonie]

I'm British. I can't vote. I just wanna see Darren. And he doesn't come on the screen until 2:30 ... it was an excruciating wait.

[@kendon0923]

I know they were trying to be Bipartisan with all the Red and Blue but this basically a vote Democrat video and I love it for that.

[@Darthmaud88]

The facts about the Superbowl and Facebook are slighted. You don't have to be over 18, or a US citizen even, to watch the Superbowl.

[@synchrofreak01]

What would it take for me to vote? Darren Criss serenading me with an original tune personalized with my name and maybe a proposal.

[@pinkymixology]

What would it take for me to vote...? Not getting a guaranteed jury duty notice and then getting fired for missing work.

[@charlotterojas]

Why didn't they show me this when I took government? Darren would've definitely been enough for me to pay attention..

[@ellissaliss1006]

hey darren, im 18 and legal by the way. uh, i dont know what that means. maybe we can go vote together sometime

[@NeilGunteraz]

Funny... these guys in the video are the "one percent..." and they're going to school us on what to vote for.

[@angiebleegirl]

Yeah, I'm here because of Darren... but the first guy to talk is the actor that plays Hell Boy is he not?

[@suzyjacuzzi6791]

marriage equality in all fifty states. (: everyone should get the chance to love. straight against hate.

[@ricksj16]

WOW! You are the longest, most thumped up surviving comment I have seen that hasn't been marked as spam.

[@GivingHerTheDays]

What would it take for me to vote? mmm lets see, Darren, I think we'd have to discuss this over dinner.

[@CarolsOnline]

Great message, but I hope to God Darren was pointing blindly. I so don't want him to be anti-gun.

[@mandijo17]

Dear Darren Criss, I will vow to vote in every single election...once you run for president...

[@imjusthere182]

so this was about me not voting i am a teenager eh darren was there so not a waste of time!:)

[@DCSprousexAddict]

I think Darren Criss was a great choice for this ad. It's more likely to reach all of those ignorant people in my age group.

[@shyshy119]

well that's the reason why they want to legalize marijuana even tho i don't believe it should

[@rachiebaby1997]

Just saying, all the peaceful, morally right things were on the right. Oh hey marijuana. :)

[@bambipardis1105]

Voting ripped me off on facebook I quit facebook through health insurance money

[@dashleylegendre8379]

Reply if your moving to Canada if Trump wins..

[@offtopia2.025]

Election is today for me

[@dashleylegendre8379]

same

[@Weaverine]

How's Canada eh?

[@jackkunasaki5044]

Why does it have to be Canada? Why not Mexico?

[@warriorcaste4304]

So did you fuck off to Canada?

[@darrencrissisHOT]

Well if McCain didn't choose Palin he would have had a better chance of beating Obama...

[@isingfashion]

A cheesy video, and I start crying because you don't have to be old to make a difference

[@KraziiIsMe]

Am I the only one who wouldn't make Darren bribe me to vote? All he's gotta do is ask;)

[@fyeahrebecca]

Forever hating Perez for what he did to heather. But all i'm here for is darren

[@billwilliamson1506]

Not really. Yes you vote your opinion, but not what happens. We in America have the electoral college because of this, no one voting. Or is it because we as Americans aren't given a true choice in the matter? These representatives and delegates are elected to listen to us, and few times have they gone against us. There has been no true "good" party and we shouldn't vote for a president based on race, sex, or wealth, but politics.

[@StrawHatRat]

If they gave away free red vines at elections the voting numbers would sky rocket.

[@heygabbae]

i'll vote for darren criss any day. ...wait that's not what this video is about?

[@3le94]

Not American, but Darren Criss talking about voting and marriage is international

[@wakataka99]

how to get people interested in voting - bring darren criss into the picture ;)

[@synapse913]

Actually, Perez, people not knowing history is exactly why they vote.

[@NachanDesu]

I'll do anything Darren tells me to do

[@retrotv2609]

Perez Hilton? Are you fucking kidding me? Now I am definitely never vote again

[@FiBeth109]

I'm Scottish. BUT DARREN CRISS FOR THE US PRESIDENT!!! Because he's a babe.

[@Nhi.Hien.Nguyen]

Marriage equality in all 50 states~~~~> this is exactly what Blaine want :D

[@LaughingSeraphim]

And after this we still don't. This leaves out, deliberately leaves out facts

[@freyjaseren6915]

this is the History of Voting in the US which is way more limited than the History of Voting. United States, you are not the world.

[@SirEdwinLee8]

Rights shouldn't have to be voted on. That's why they are called rights.

[@TinkerLunaBelle]

you would have been in the fandom for a while if you understand this ;)

[@elizze6]

What would it take for me to vote? I would if I could vote with Darren.

[@MollyBrown52]

What will it take me to vote? Darren, is what it will take me to vote(:

[@megliz16]

darren was enough to make me want to vote. if i was 18. or american.

[@MollyBrown52]

Thumbs up if you're here because Our little Hobbit Darren is in it.

[@MayaGamblesMusic]

That person is saying that they arent American, not that Darren isnt.

[@CornichonMaille]

I love how ALL the comments are for Darren. DARREN FOR PRESIDENT!!

[@emilypolinski]

if darren would talk more about voting, more people would do it ;)

[@poundpoochie90]

I'm proud to say I was part of that 18-29 year old's at 2:38! :)

[@GregoryFiege]

Not thrilled about how you depicted the US Army in this video.

[@headachesandhairdye]

What would it take for me to vote? A US citizenship, I'm afraid.

[@teatime233]

Watch this out: Obama- 10 year old young lady dances for Obama