Jessica Alba Doesn't Want You To Be Afraid to Vote
The growing movement against voter intimidation just gained some star power
Oct. 23, 2012— -- The growing movement against voter intimidation just gained some star power.
The Advancement Project, a voter advocacy organization and vocal opponent of strict voter ID laws, has launched a series of video and radio spots against vote suppression that includes appearances by music artist will.i.am, actress Jessica Alba, television personality Star Jones and film director Robert Rodriguez, among others.
"We all have an equal voice in the voting booth. That's what makes America great," says actress Jessica Alba in one.
The spots are set to air on a number of television and radio stations around the country.
The announcements, says the Advancement Project, are designed to encourage people to vote and to alleviate some of the fear and confusion surrounding recent voter ID laws. A number of the laws have been challenged in court, and while most have been shot down, some have been partially upheld and others will be allowed to go into effect after the Nov. 6 election, leaving some voters confused about what they need to do to cast a ballot.
Pennsylvania's voter ID law, for example, will not be in effect for this presidential election, but it could be implemented for future elections. Poll workers may still ask for ID this election, however, even though it is not required.
"Having the voices of these artists encourage participation in our democracy will help combat the fear and confusion we see by efforts that make it harder for people of color, college students, the elderly and the young to vote," said Judith Browne Dianis, co-director of Advancement Project in a news release. "Having an equal say on Election Day is the essence of our democracy. We are extremely grateful to the artists for lending their voices to this effort and to the television networks that are allowing this clarion call for democracy to be heard."
The PSAs point viewers to the Advancement Project's website, which offers state-by-state voting rules, a tool for finding the correct polling place, and what voters should do if they encounter problems at their polling place.
