Sony Music has launched a new campaign to encourage more young people and underrepresented groups to vote in the upcoming European Union elections. ‘Your Voice, Your Power, Your Vote’ is a multi-language initiative created in partnership with the European Youth Forum and will see Sony artists from around the EU front videos encouraging people to vote.
“2024 is an election year for almost half the global population, and civil societies thrive when everyone contributes to the democratic process”, says Towalame Austin, EVP Global Philanthropy And Social Impact at Sony Music.
“Young people are key to a vibrant society”, she continues. “They care about the world we live in and are active and engaged every day through widespread movements, activism and more. However, while social action ensures their voices are heard, voting is also key to ensuring they are listened to. We are delighted that our artists and songwriters have come together to support the campaign ahead of the June European elections”.
Artists involved include Sweden’s Jackie Mere, Portugal’s Dino D’Santiago, $oho Bani from Germany, Sam Feldt from The Netherlands and France’s Soso Madness.
At the last EU elections in 2019, the youth turnout was actually pretty good - rising by 14% among those under 25. This boost was credited as helping to push overall turnout to above 50% for the first time. Of course, this does not mean that there will be such a strong turnout this time around, highlighting the need for campaigns such as this to boost awareness and enthusiasm.
President of the European Youth Forum, María Rodríguez Alcázaradded, comments, "Through our partnership with performing artists, we aim to mobilise even more young voters for the upcoming 2024 European elections. Young people are a vital part of our societies. We are the mobilising power behind many movements, we participate in political debates online and we engage with our communities through youth organisations”.
“This makes us integral to shaping democratic life”, she adds. “Young people deserve representatives who genuinely care about our lives and prioritise our concerns and ideas. Turning up to vote this June will make our voices heard and ensure that we are not overlooked in the decision-making process”.
The European elections will take place across the bloc’s 27 states from 6-9 Jun. The UK, of course, is still pretending that it doesn’t want to be a part of any of that and it can manage just fine on its own, but don’t forget that there are local elections here today, if you fancy some box crossing.
