Young People, Civic Leaders, and Newly Elected Aldermen Host Citywide Party to Get Out the Vote

On Saturday, Hundreds Will Come Together for Music and Democracy

Next week, Chicago will host the first runoff election for mayor in more than 30 years. Young people—and allies across the city—are seizing the moment to take civic engagement to new heights.

On Saturday, April 4, hundreds will come together for “Deluxe Democracy: the Party,” featuring local artists and newly elected officials, including 26-year old alderman-elect Carlos Ramirez-Rosa from the 35th Ward, the first openly gay Latino alderman. The event is being sponsored by Deluxe Vodka and Revolution Brewing, supported by a range of youth groups, and hosted by Chicago Votes, a nationally recognized non-profit dedicated to young voter engagement, particularly among youth of color. The organization is also responsible for passing legislation that makes voting access easier for young people, including Online Voter Registration.

The event will have free food—and drinks,—and is open to the public, but is 21 and over after 9pm. Attendees are encouraged to go to the polls early before joining the party.

Earlier this week, Chicago Votes hosted #PollsGoinUp, a debate watch party and panel discussion featuring former Mayoral candidate Amara Enyia, Martin Torres of the Latino Policy Forum, and Jessica Pierce of The Black Youth Project and Christian Diaz of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association.

What: Deluxe Democracy: The Party, a citywide event to celebrate and strengthen the youth vote

Who: Youth groups, elected officials, and artists Kiings, Sylvie Grace, Moses, and DJ Earn Money

Where: Canvas, 2313 W North Avenue, Chicago, il 60647

When: April 4, 2015, Programming from 5-9 PM, party continuing until 1 AM

Registration: deluxedemocracy.eventbrite.com

Chicago Votes is the only organization in the city that systematically engages young people of color in the electoral process, provides real world organizing training, and helps to pass legislation that advocates for youth voting rights.