Rock The Vote With Xbox Live

[Goldeneye]

Xbox Live will be Rocking the Vote beginning August 25 as part of a new initiative to get young voters involved with democracy!

Microsoft has announced a partnership with Rock the Vote that will allow Xbox 360 owners to register to vote, participate in polls and "voice their opinions to presidential candidates," all via Xbox Live. It's the first such deal for Rock the Vote, an organization that uses music, pop culture and new technologies to encourage youth to register and vote in elections, but with a membership of 12 million users - worth roughly 20 electoral votes - Executive Director Heather Smith said, "Xbox is a natural partner to help us reach out to youth voters."

"To realize our goal of registering two million young Americans by this fall, we need to go where young Americans are, and there's no doubt in our minds that many are on Xbox 360 and Xbox Live," she added.

Along with registering to vote and taking part in polls, Xbox Live users will also be able to stay abreast of election issues through Rock the Vote public service announcements. "The Xbox Live community is active, vocal and passionate," said Marc Whitten, general manager of Xbox Live. "We're thrilled to partner with Rock the Vote to make it easier than ever for youth voters - and our members - to register and be heard."

Microsoft will also be appearing at both the Democratic and Republican conventions this year, to promote its relationship with Rock the Vote and educate delegates about the built-in parental controls of the Xbox 360, and how they can be used to create a "safer entertainment environment" for children, through an on-site kiosk. No word yet on whether Microsoft plans on offering any Achievements for registering to vote, although that would probably be more effective in getting kids these days involved than something as dull and pointless as, you know, the right to participate in the democratic process and stuff.

[Mazer Rackham]

This is supposed to be a good thing?