I’m not going to sit up here and fake the funk like I’m a huge or even moderate fan of Usher because I’m not.  But I do have to give credit where credit is due.  Recently Usher Raymond initiated his “I Can’t But You Can” voter registration campaign in his hometown of Atlanta, GA.  Due to the overwhelming response he announced today the national expansion of the program beginning August 21, 2008 in Detroit, MI.

The program is geared towards soon-to-be of age voters age 17 and under. Why?  Although one does not become eligible to vote until the age of 18 it doesn’t preclude them from REGISTERING those who can.   There is a sensitive soft spot in everyone’s heart for kids so by using them as the agents of change to recruit those non-registered citizens to get involved the program, in theory should be wildly successor.Utilizing teen idol Usher will get the children down but before youth can register voters, they must first complete a 4-hour curriculum and training course on the voting process.  By becoming educated the participating youth not only register others but the program also increases the probability of their own involved in the electoral process once they turn 18.

“This election impacts ALL youth,” says Usher. “I wanted to give teenagers more than the experience
and satisfaction of registering voters; I wanted to give them knowledge that will engage them in our democratic process long after this election ends.”

Confirmed cities for The “I Can’t But You Can” campaign include New Orleans, Cleveland, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Oakland, and Los Angeles.  To get involved Log on to www.ushersnewlook.org  for more information about this incredible program.   There you can download the free empowerment kit from which includes campaign applications, Voting 101 curriculum, and report form.

To date the program has educated 350 youth on election/voting process and has registered nearly 1,000 voters.  I can’t say that i’m impressed but its a start.