Before hashtags. Before viral voting campaigns. Long before social media became a platform for celebrity voter awareness campaigns, MTV’s groundbreaking Rock the Vote initiative brought together influential artists to encourage young people to make their voices heard at the ballot box; and while each message was tailored to the participants personality, the message was the same: Get out and vote.. Among them? GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter and style icon Jody Watley, one of the few Black artists, male or female, featured in the campaign which included Madonna and Iggy Pop. Watch The Jody Watley Rock The Vote Video: Here Jody Watley YouTube Channel

Music. Culture. Representation. Your Voice Matters.

A meaningful moment in her music history and cultural impact, reflecting the importance of visibility, representation and using one’s platform beyond the music.

As Vogue revisited in its retrospective on Rock the Vote, the campaign was rooted in freedom of expression, youth engagement and the power of participation.

36 years later, the message remains as relevant as ever.

On this Election Day 2026, we’re flashing back to a moment when music, pop culture and civic responsibility came together.

Your voice. Your vote. Your future.

Make it count! A timeless message.