American Authors – Why I Vote

Our “Why I Vote” campaign gives artists a chance to share personal opinions on the key issues shaping the 2016 Presidential Election. Along the way, they encourage young people, a traditionally under-represented demographic at the polls, to participate in the political process that impacts us all. From Kesha to T.I. to American Authors, each episode focuses on a particular subject, including immigration, LGBTQ rights, mass incarceration, and education opportunities. We’re hoping to galvanize first-time voters interested in shaping their own future.

This hot-button issue of gun regulation really hits home for James Shelley and Matt Sanchez of American Authors. Growing up in Texas and Tallahassee respectively, both have first-hand experience in what happens when deadly weapons are far too readily available.

Both James and Shelley have brothers who have served time for shooting someone, and in our latest episode of “Why I Vote” they examine the circumstances and explain their opinions on the need for comprehensive gun reform. Neither makes excuses for their brother’s violent actions, and both believe that stronger availability laws will quell the amount of gun-related incidents the country is suffering with. “If making it harder to get a gun starts saving lives, than that’s important to me,” says James.

Previous episodes of “Why I Vote” featured Vic Mensa sharing his personal experiences with police brutality, T.I. telling his own story of growing up in Atlanta at the beginning of the government’s “War on Drugs,” and Kesha discussing LGBT rights.

Upcoming episodes of “Why I Vote” will premiere in the coming weeks, and will feature John Legend, Becky G, and Rise Against.

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Music video by American Authors performing Why I Vote. 2016

http://vevo.ly/kxiaSc

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