Rock The Vote With Xbox Live

Xbox Live will be Rocking the Vote beginning August 25 as part of a new initiative to get young voters involved with democracy!

Microsoft has announced a partnership with Rock the Vote that will allow Xbox 360 owners to register to vote, participate in polls and "voice their opinions to presidential candidates," all via Xbox Live. It's the first such deal for Rock the Vote, an organization that uses music, pop culture and new technologies to encourage youth to register and vote in elections, but with a membership of 12 million users - worth roughly 20 electoral votes - Executive Director Heather Smith said, "Xbox is a natural partner to help us reach out to youth voters."

"To realize our goal of registering two million young Americans by this fall, we need to go where young Americans are, and there's no doubt in our minds that many are on Xbox 360 and Xbox Live," she added.

Along with registering to vote and taking part in polls, Xbox Live users will also be able to stay abreast of election issues through Rock the Vote public service announcements. "The Xbox Live community is active, vocal and passionate," said Marc Whitten, general manager of Xbox Live. "We're thrilled to partner with Rock the Vote to make it easier than ever for youth voters - and our members - to register and be heard."

Microsoft will also be appearing at both the Democratic and Republican conventions this year, to promote its relationship with Rock the Vote and educate delegates about the built-in parental controls of the Xbox 360, and how they can be used to create a "safer entertainment environment" for children, through an on-site kiosk. No word yet on whether Microsoft plans on offering any Achievements for registering to vote, although that would probably be more effective in getting kids these days involved than something as dull and pointless as, you know, the right to participate in the democratic process and stuff.

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Because what I've really always wanted to type into XBox Live is my Social Security Number...

Yeah, maybe I'm missing something here (and perhaps they will address this) though it's not in the article...

But how do they verify the person signing up is of age, a legal citizen, and not using someone elses account (say a friend coming over and doing a 'goof' on you) or multiple sign ups?

I know I am taking this to the extreme, but if we know people can mod and hack files, it just takes one person to screw this up as a legit way to register.

Well, that's convenient.

I'll just say it now, THEY BOTH SUCK BALLS!

What, Xbox Live and democracy?

Videogames and voting?

Consoles and freedom?

This is a stupid idea...end of story.

It should have been called pwn the vote. i doubt this'll apply in britain, so whatever.

HobbesMkii:
Because what I've really always wanted to type into XBox Live is my Social Security Number...

Probably safer than typing your credit card number into a shopping cart online on most home computers out there, given how sloppy folks can be with anti-virus and malware checks.

-- Steve

Honestly, whether there are logistical problems or not, I love this. For the first time, the political system in the USA feels more accessible to a younger demographic, and that they are actually beginning to care what we think. That they are trying to find us where we are, instead of hiding in the typical places is great news and bodes well.

Andraste:
Honestly, whether there are logistical problems or not, I love this. For the first time, the political system in the USA feels more accessible to a younger demographic, and that they are actually beginning to care what we think. That they are trying to find us where we are, instead of hiding in the typical places is great news and bodes well.

The closest thing we have to an attempt at making democracy more accesible here in Britain is an agonising-to-watch video blog from David Cameron (leader of the Conservative party).

Okay, but what we really want to know is, will we get achievements for doing it right?

Andraste:
Honestly, whether there are logistical problems or not, I love this. For the first time, the political system in the USA feels more accessible to a younger demographic, and that they are actually beginning to care what we think. That they are trying to find us where we are, instead of hiding in the typical places is great news and bodes well.

I highly doubt they actually care about us youngings, they just want to get more votes. They want to make it seem like they care when they just want votes and they could care less about where it comes from.

Though after a speech from my (VERY AWESOME) Social Studies teacher, when I get older I will vote as one vote can make a difference.

You know, here in Brazil, voting is compulsory. As a result, famous people are elected without any campaign. Just some time ago a famous comedian was elected senator, and later expressed his doubts about the holocaust having actually happened.

I do have a point here, just don't feel like trying to find it. I'll take a nap now.

Well this is...great I guess. At least it is not going to do any harm so there is no point in complaining, they are not going to force XBL users to participate in this.