In the lead-up to the Nov. 6 midterm elections, Billboard reached out to artists across the musical spectrum with a simple request: Complete the phrase “I’m voting because…” Below are answers from Kesha, Dan Deacon, Nathaniel Rateliff, Jake Shears, Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast and more, whose answers touch on power, fear, change and protecting women’s bodies.
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… I believe that our generation can be the one to force our government to focus this country back towards the principles it was founded upon: equality and freedom for ALL.
… I want to see change in our country. Voting is one of the few ways we actually have a voice. I still have faith in our country and the potential it has to help those in need here in America and the rest of the world.
… the organized affront on the voting rights of others. To not vote, knowing that so many people are intentionally suppressed and are deliberately denied the right to vote, would be playing directly into the hands of those that wish to further erode the concept of democracy.
Bethany Cosentino (Best Coast)
… to protect the rights of my body and the bodies of all women.
… it is my right and, as an informed voter, my civic duty. I vote every chance I get — local, state, and federal elections. I vote in my neighborhood community board elections. No election is too small to ignore. It is imperative that we all vote. Without a vote, I have no say.
Dave Depper (guitarist Death Cab for Cutie)
… a democracy only functions when its citizens actively take part in it. 2016 taught us that we can never again take this sacred right for granted. Right now, there’s a lot of people in power who are counting on people like you to sit this election out. Prove them wrong. Get out and VOTE!
Matt Quinn (Mt. Joy)
… I am certain we were all created equal, and there is nothing more important than proving to politicians and the rest of the world that our country wants no part in the current regime’s plan to protect white men at the expense of women, people of color and our environment.
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Jake Shears
… I believe in equal rights and opportunity. I vote because our administration is aligning themselves with totalitarian dictators. I vote because it helps me sleep better at night knowing that I can, and I did. And I also vote because I’m cool.
Ben Cronin (Gillian Moss)
… I have younger cousins who are too young to vote but old enough to be affected by the policies of people being elected. There are also a lot of things that I’d like to change about the world, and while I know that music can change a lot, I know that a vote can be more important. The only thing cooler than being a professional dj is being a good citizen.
… that’s where the power is.