We’re in the home stretch, Nebraska — on Tuesday, the state’s voters will head to the polls to cast their ballots in the midterm election. And this year, a record number of Nebraskans –1,219,644 — are registered. Well done.Â
In the spirit of the excitement surrounding the Nov. 6 midterms, here’s our latest Civic Nebraska Election Day Playlist so you can sing and dance your way to the polls. Hear our picks below — or, if you want to take these empowering tunes with you, get the playlist on Spotify. Enjoy!
The Shazam, “Super Tuesday”
Wouldn’t it be great if Election Day was a national holiday? Everyone would have ample opportunity to vote. Since it’s not, be sure to make your plan for the big day (assuming you’re not voting early, which you can do in person until Nov. 5). Check your polling place here. Then double check it.
Sugarland, “Everyday America”
Voting is one of the most American things we do. It’s as American as baseball and apple pie. Probably more so. Be sure you’re informed about everything you need to know about Nov. 6, fellow American.
Medium Troy, “Space Tree”
If you’ve had any discussions about the election this autumn, you’ve probably run into that friend that says they’re “just not political.” But elections have consequences for us all. Encourage everyone you know to vote — because the best democracy is one that is truly representative of its people.
Patti Smith, “People Have The Power”
These lyrics sum up that whole idea of E Pluribus Unum, eh?:
I believe everything we dreamÂ
Can come to pass through our unionÂ
We can turn the world aroundÂ
We can turn the earth’s revolutionÂ
Plus, it’s Patti Smith. C’mon.
Santigold, “The Keepers”
Here’s a slightly more urgent call to action. Hey, don’t like how things are going? There’s a direct remedy for that at your local polling place.
Kid Rock, “Born Free”
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” — Ronald Reagan
David Bowie, “Suffragette City”
With a surge of women on the ballot in Nebraska and across the country, 2018 is living up to its title of The Year of the Woman.Â
Arcade Fire and Mavis Staples, “I Give You Power”
A reminder that we, the voters, have the most awesome power in our democracy — to peacefully bequeath someone else the responsibility to govern us. And a reminder to those we elect that even after Election Day, the power in our republic remains with the people.Â
George Jones, “Choices”
A not-necessarily-political song about the accumulation of decisions — good and bad — that one makes throughout their life, and the consequences of those choices. During election season, it’s important to remember to take your choices seriously and to make them with more than yourself in mind.
Titus Andronicus, “A More Perfect Union”
OK, maybe you’re not out to change the world. Maybe to you, all politics truly are local. Here’s the great thing about taking part in our democratic process: You get to vote on all kinds of offices and issues — national, statewide, countywide, and local. Our Decoding the Ballot feature (English, Spanish) can help you understand the roles and responsibilities of all of the offices upon which you’ll be voting.
Bruce Springsteen, “American Land”
Can you imagine recently coming to America from a nation that did not have democracy? Picture the excitement our newest eligible Americans are feeling as they prepare to cast their ballots for the first time as U.S. citizens.Â
Beyonce & Kendrick Lamar, “Freedom”
Election Day is a direct opportunity to take a stance, take action, and take control of your future.
Tom Petty, “I Won’t Back Down”
Vote your pocketbook. Take your soul to the polls. Vote your conscience, your values, your principles. Just be sure to vote.
Depeche Mode, “People Are People”
At their best, politics helps us consider our own views, no matter how deeply held, in contrast with the views of others. Progress lies in the free and civil exchange of ideas, which is essential to our democracy. Sometimes things get heated. But remember, at the end of the day, we’re all Americans.Â
U2 and Mary J. Blige, “One”
Ditto. When the votes are finally counted, Americans come together to make it work. It’s what’s made our republic the envy of the world for nearly 250 years.Â
Traveling Wilburys, “End of the Line”
The average wait time at a polling place in Nebraska is six minutes. Even if it takes slightly longer than that to vote on Election Day, be patient. There may be first-time voters in front of you learning the ropes. Remember: Once you’re in line, you have the absolute right to vote — even if you get in line at 7:59 pm and 59 seconds.Â
Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger, “This Land is Your Land”
Yours. Mine. Ours. Let’s go out there and make it a little more perfect.
