Watch the videos below and answer the questions that follow.

Headcount is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization devoted to voter registration and participation in democracy. The organization was created in 2004 by a group of artists, music industry professionals, and fans, all of whom were determined to make sure the live music community was well-represented at the polls.

A Call to Action (Documentary Preview) Headcount

Did you find this video compelling or motivational? Why or why not? Do you think that musicians and the music industry can be an effective voice for democracy and political participation, especially during an election year? Why or why not? Are you inclined to participate in the Headcount project during future elections?

Declare Yourself is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit campaign to empower and encourage every eligible 18-year-old in America to register and vote in presidential primaries and presidential elections. Using the power of strategic media partnerships, celebrity spokespeople, the sports arena, and most importantly, mobile and Internet technology, Declare Yourself's campaign blankets the landscape of popular culture, as well as universities and high schools, with a simple, clear message: REGISTER and VOTE!

Message from Shaun Alexander Declare Yourself

Do you think public service announcements like these, featuring prominent sports figures, are effective? Why or why not? Did their message about the need to register and vote motivate you?

Rock the Vote is a nonpartisan organization that uses music, popular culture, and new technologies to engage and incite young people to register and vote in every election. It provides young people the tools to identify, learn about, and take action on the issues that affect their lives, and leverages their power in the political process.

Murs Rock the Vote PSA Rock the Vote

Rock the Vote PSA with One Tree Hill Rock the Vote

In the first video, the hip-hop artist Murs described his prior feelings towards government and authority before he became politically active, and advocates voting as a way to preserve freedom of expression. The cast of One Tree Hill, in the second video, invokes specific policy and social issues as reasons to vote.

From your perspective, which of these two arguments is more effective? Why?

In addition to nonpartisan organizations such as those mentioned above, presidential campaigns and political parties also emphasize the need for youth political participation, albeit in a more partisan fashion. The following two videos, from the Democratic and Republican parties, both aim to engage younger supporters.

Signs of Hope and Change Obama Campaign for President 2008

This is My Party Young Republican National Federation

How would you characterize the similarities and differences between these two videos, in terms of their tone and expressions of political participation? Which did you find more compelling? Why? During the 2008 presidential election, did you get politically involved with one of the parties supporting a candidate for the presidency? If so, which one?