This year's election [1] is shaping up to be one of the most important in our lifetime, and Rihanna [2] is using her platform to get the vote out. Even though Rihanna can't partake in the election [3] because she's not a United States citizen, she is well aware of how important voting is and has been urging her fans for years now to make their voices heard. In addition to being vocal about the upcoming presidential election [4] on Instagram and Twitter, the 32-year-old mogul [5] also uses interviews to encourage others to vote. When Rihanna [6] attended the NAACP Image Awards [7] back in February, the singer took a moment to implore her fans [8] to speak up for what they believe in and vote come November. See some of what Rihanna has said about the importance of voting ahead.
On Getting Out the Vote
- "VOTE. Ya ain't got sh*t else to do man! Get yo ass off the couch and go vote!!! I don't wanna hear another excuse!! Stop believing that your vote and voice don't matter [10]! This the illest way to protest...vote for the change you want!!!"
- "No matter what they try, stay in line and cast your vote [11]. It REALLY matters. . . . This is where it counts guys!"
- "If you're tired of complaining about the state [12] of the country and government, get up and do something about it!!! #VOTE ... simple!!!"
- "I don't care what responsibilities you have today, there's no greater responsibility [13] than being in control of your future and the future starts NOW!! We don't have time, no procrastinating, don't let the discouragement take you off coarse, that's not how my people or my generation will go down...this is the loudest way to make your voice heard!"
On the Importance of Voting
- "Going out to vote is just as important as having a voice. I mean, a lot of voices aren't being heard and a lot of them aren't being used, and I feel like that's the scarier part of the whole picture. We all have voices [14] and I want people to know that it's imperative that they go out and use them and speak up for what they believe in, put the pressure on the government, let them know what we stand for and what we're not going to tolerate."
- "It's crazy numbers right now — over 70 million Americans are not registered to vote [15] and it saddens me because young people are the future. So I want ya'll to make sure that whatever happens here… The power is in your hands — literally right in your cell phone."
- "If you don't go, they'll take your vote [16] and allocate it where they want to! It's happening to many citizens as we speak!"