During the 2016 US election, only 54.7 percent of citizens voted, according to Politifact. Had more people participated, instead of staying home to smoke a bong and watch Rick and Morty, we might have a different president. Yes, it sucks that America holds the election on a Tuesday, and it's not considered a holiday. And yes, it sucks that you can't vote online, or through an app on your phone. But no matter what side of the aisle you're on, it's important to educate yourself about the candidates and vote.
Historically, young people have been the least likely demographic to participate, which seems crazy. Young people will live the longest, and therefrom suffer, or benefit from, the effects of current policies. In the past, celebrities have tried to make the stuff process seem 'cool,' telling young people to 'Rock The Vote.' But are these 'Hello fellow kids' campaigns really effective? What can be done to convince the face-tattooed, glitter-butted, Tide Pod-swallowing youth to do their civic duty? (And don't laugh at the word 'duty.')
Some Twitter users have come up with a novel idea: Posting false stories about celebrities, bands, or amazing deals, with a juicy clickbait title. But when people click the link, they don't discover why "Kim Kardashian finally decided to divorce Kanye West." They're taken to Vote.gov, which encourages citizens to register to vote before the deadline for the pivotal midterm elections on November 6. It's like Rickrolling, but for voter registration. Here are the best tweets:
LOVE IS DEAD Remember when she made that controversial photoshoot holding President Trump's 'bloody head'? Probably better than Venom Not that there's anything wrong with that OMG!!!! OMG!!!! OMG!!!! He probably took some when he got high with Joe Rogan That's the last time I trust 'Franny the Gay Witch' This get-rich-quick scheme will surely work! Even Elle Magazine joined in Although some people aren't happy about it LEAVE PEOPLE WHO LOVE STUPID CELEBRITY GOSSIP ALONE PEOPLE CAN LIKE TWO THINGSWell, it's not responsible for media outlets to post false stories, in a political climate where Donald Trump stans howl about everything how reputable news source except Fox News is "fake news." But if some random Twitter users remind some Kardashian-distracted people to register to vote, what's the harm? 'Rickroll The Vote' might be the new Rock The Vote.
I mean, what headline would you click on? "Here's how to register to vote for the 2018 midterm election in your state" or "Prince Harry dumps Meghan Markle, marries World's Hairiest Girl"? World's Hairiest Girl wins every time.
It's weird that Election Day isn't a holiday, and you can't do it online, though, isn't it? It's almost like the rich and powerful don't want the vast majority of Americans to vote. Maybe this year the young generation will buck the trend. (Unless there's a Rick and Morty marathon and some extra weed in the bong.)