Rock the Vote has partnered with Microsoft in a move to help achieve its goal of registering two million under-30 voters in time for this fall's election.
Beginning the first day of the Democratic National Convention -- August 25, for those out of the loop -- the youth-centric political advocacy group will enable Xbox 360 owners to have their voices heard on an exclusive forum, participate in election-predicting polls, and, yes, register to vote through their 360.
Rock the Vote's public service announcement videos will also be made available on the Xbox Live Marketplace.
With its estimated twelve million users, Xbox Live has long been a hotbed of advertisements and bizarre promotions. Heather Smith -- Rock the Vote's executive director -- wants to tap that audience for the greater good rather than profit, commenting, "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."
While Rock the Vote is busy shoving your average Halo junkie into a voting booth, Microsoft will be at both the Democratic and Republican conventions, educating politicians about gaming.
Because videogame violence is always such a hot talking point during election years, the company plans on championing the Xbox 360's Family Settings as one of many ways to keep inappropriate material out of the hands of children.
Although it's wonderful to finally see gamers getting some recognition as a potential electoral force, we can't help but ponder the potential impact of the candidates actually hearing the "voice" of the typical Xbox LIVE user.
Comments