The Rock the Vote campaign came to UCLA intending to get all
students to vote regardless of their political views, but the
approach the organization takes is arguably geared toward potential
liberal voters.
Rock the Vote, which originated with the 1992 presidential
election and was largely disseminated through youth-oriented media
such as MTV and various national rock concerts, has been working to
get students registered to vote in the upcoming gubernatorial
elections.
Some argue though the television and concert forums reach the
largest amount of potential youth voters, they are inherently
skewed toward liberal ideas.
“I have no problem with more Democrats registering to
vote. But when (registration) efforts are geared toward Democratic
voters and issues, it’s inappropriate,” said Andrew
Jones, president of Bruin Republicans and a former Daily Bruin
columnist.
Jones pointed out that his organization was not invited to speak
at Monday’s concert, whereas the Yes on Prop. 52 campaign
““ which co-sponsored the event ““ invited student groups
like the Affirmative Action Coalition and Peace and Justice
Coalition.
The two groups spoke out against the Racial Privacy Initiative,
a 2004 ballot item which would restrict state-collected ethnic and
racial data, and a possible war in Iraq. Jones said no counterpoint
to these opinions ““ with which many conservatives would
disagree ““ were provided at the event.
But members of the Rock the Vote campaign contend their mission
is purely to increase youth voting and promote political
involvement, irrespective of party designation.
“We go to places like clubs, concerts and campuses because
that’s where the most students are,” said Lynne Lyman,
program director for Rock the Vote.
“Parties are of no interest to us,” she
continued.
She also explained that the rationale for the groups invited to
speak was they were all affiliated to the Yes on Prop. 52
campaign.
Though the campaign considers itself to be nonpartisan, in the
past Rock the Vote has fought for affirmative action and
anti-discrimination policies. Also, it does take stances on issues
it deems is in the interests of all voters.
Lyman cited Proposition 52, which would establish same-day voter
registration, as an issue with a “wide appeal” where
“there’s not going to be a lot of conflict.”