ROCK THE VOTE ROLLS OUT CELEBRITY STUDDED “TURN OUT FOR WHAT” PSA FOR 2014 MIDTERMS

Rock the Vote, the largest non-profit and non-partisan organization in the United States building the political power of young people, today released a star studded music video for the anthem of the 2014 Midterm Elections, entitled “TURN OUT FOR WHAT?”  The video features an exclusive re-recording of the triple platinum hit “Turn Down For What” featuring rapper Lil Jon and DJ Snake.  

The music video and PSA features Lil Jon himself, alongside stars including GIRLS creator Lena Dunham, comedian and co-host of The View Whoopi Goldberg, Chicago P.D. star Sophia Bush, Glee star Darren Criss, Orange Is The New Black star Natasha Lyonne, comedian Fred Armisen, reality star E.J. Johnson, model Ireland Baldwin, musicians Devendra Banhart and Io Echo, and more.

The “Turn Out For What?” video poses a question to its stars, and its viewers; this November, what issue are you turning out for?  From women’s rights, to global warming, immigration reform, voting rights and police brutality, the “Turn Out For What?” video features a variety of subjects and concerns that young voters are turning out to spotlight this year. 

With “Turn Out For What?” Rock The Vote is tapping its creative roots, using contemporary music and culture to amplify a message of political engagement and participation. Throughout its nearly 25 year history, Rock The Vote has featured musicians including Madonna, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ozzy Osbourne, Miley Cyrus, John Legend and more to promote civic engagement. 

Rock The Vote’s 2014 campaign is focused on mobilizing Millennial voters to turn out to the polls even in a year when the President isn’t on the ballot, by communicating with them through multiple online platforms. We are promoting our online interface that allows people to go through the entire voter registration process in under four minutes using a smartphone. Model and TV star Kendall Jenner recently used the tool to register to vote for the first time between fashion shows in Milan.

Both the song and the music video aim to capture the attention of, and galvanize, a Millennial audience. Posing the important question – what are you turning out for? – and reminding young voters that if they have a cause they feel strongly about, they have to turn out to the polls on Election Day. The music video features celebrities voicing the issues they are passionate about, from protecting the environment to marijuana legalization.

“We’ve created the 2014 Midterm Election anthem with Turn Out For What,” said Rock the Vote President Ashley Spillane. “With all of our partners, we’re demonstrating the impact you can have when you care like crazy about an issue AND vote. For nearly 25 years, Rock the Vote has fused pop culture with politics to drive the youth vote, protect voting rights, and advocate for an electoral process and voting system that works for young people. Turn Out For What is the cultural game-changer for 2014 that Madonna wrapped in the American flag was for Rock The Vote in 1990.” 

“The work that Rock The Vote does is incredible,” said rapper, producer and DJ Lil Jon. “It’s extremely cool for me to collaborate with such an iconic organization.”

Turn Out For What Production Credits

Production Company: 1985
Executive Producer: Kaitlyn Parks
Director: Brody Baker
Director of Photography: Ivan Abel
Production Designer: Andrea Huelse
Editor: Trish Fuller
Music: DJ Snake and Lil Jon 

Full Cast:

Lil Jon, rapper, producer, DJ
Whoopi Goldberg, comedienne, author, talk-show host, activist, The View
Ben Lyons, entertainment reporter
Lena Dunham, actress, director, author, GIRLS, Not That Kind of Girl
Tracy Anderson, fitness trainer, Tracy Anderson Method
Sophia Bush, actress and activist, Chicago PD
EJ Johnson, reality star, Rich Kids of Beverly Hills
Ireland Baldwin, model,
Fred Armisen, comedian, actor, producer, SNL, Portlandia
Gabriel Valenciano, dancer, actor, percussionist, Dancing with the Stars
Darren Criss, actor and singer-songwriter, GLEE
Ioanna Gika, musician, Io Echo
Devendra Banhart, singer-songwriter
Natasha Lyonne, actress, Orange Is The New Black

About Rock the Vote

Rock the Vote is the largest non-profit and non-partisan organization in the United States building the political power of young people. Fusing pop culture, politics, and technology, Rock the Vote works to mobilize the Millennial voting bloc, protect voting rights and advocate for an electoral process and voting system that works for the 21st century electorate. Since 1990, Rock the Vote has revolutionized the use of pop culture, music, art and technology to inspire political activity. 

Now, for almost 25 years, Rock the Vote has pioneered ways to make voting easier by simplifying and demystifying voter registration and elections for young adults. Rock the Vote has run the largest voter registration drives for young people on record during the past six Presidential elections. In 2008 and 2012, our on-the-ground efforts, online organizing, and cutting-edge tools and technologies made us the largest non-partisan voter engagement campaign in the nation. All of these efforts have resulted in Rock the Vote registering over six million new voters, bringing millions more to the polls, and becoming a trusted resource for young people, government agencies, and technological innovators.