Home Jambase The String Cheese Incident’s Michael Travis: Why Voting Matters

The String Cheese Incident’s Michael Travis: Why Voting Matters

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JamBase partnered with HeadCount to ask Michael Travis, drummer for The String Cheese Incident, questions about why voting matters to him. With early voting underway in many states leading up to Election Day on Tuesday, November 3rd, we wanted to see how being a musician influences Travis’ decision to vote.

Check out Michael’s answers to our questions about voting below. If you have questions about voting, HeadCount has information regarding dates for important deadlines in your state, what’s on your ballot and everything you need to vote — whether in person or by mail. Even if you think you’re registered to vote, head to HeadCount.org to check your status and make sure your vote is counted in November.

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Here’s The String Cheese Incident’s Michael Travis:

What are some of the aspects of voting that are most important to you?

Living in a country where we even have the right to vote is incredible! I don’t think people realize what a privilege it is. There may be some positions that are rigged, but by and large, you can affect your future directly, which is amazing. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would most certainly not be a congresswoman if voting didn’t work!

What would you say to someone who does not think voting matters or is not planning to vote?

I see a lot of proud “I’m not voting, it doesn’t make a difference” people. I think that sentiment is ridiculous. Even the act of getting out and doing it is exhilarating.
I caucused for Bernie [Sanders] in the 2016 primaries and it was an amazing experience. Really fun to see the neighborhood rally and debate like that.

Why is voting and participating in democracy important to you as a musician?

Music is a very important part of most people’s lives. There are many greed-ridden politicians bent on making it go away from schools etc. because it’s unnecessary to the GDP.

Then there are politicians with a somewhat intact conscience that understand the finer points of life and are not obsessed with the bottom line and profit margin and permanent economic growth. And they realize music is essential and needs to be supported and flourish. I tend to vote for those people.

Why should voting in this election matter to music fans?

Creating a political environment that protects musicians, protects music. There are many ways that music could become less relevant or prevalent if those that don’t understand it’s power are in charge.

Have you checked your registration status?

I made sure to when I had recently moved. Now I’m all set.

How are you making sure that your vote is being counted this election?

I voted already by mail. Voting early means you’re not at risk of not being counted in the fray of day-of madness. I tend to take a fairly loud political stance online for voting for candidates that I think are important (Long Live Bernie!!) And actively debate with the “voting doesn’t matter” crowd.

Outside of planning for the election, what have you been up to?

Me and my partner just power-washed, then primed, and then painted our house. Yikes!


Visit HeadCount.org for information regarding voting in your state.


Source: JamBase.com