Clerk Monica Gordon Marks National Voter Registration Day with Push To Register, Engage Next Generation of Voters — and a New Rap Video


Clerk Monica Gordon Marks National Voter Registration Day with Push To Register, Engage Next Generation of Voters — and a New Rap Video

“One Vote” Video Featuring Clerk Gordon

Created in Partnership with Grammy Award-Winning Artist “Rhymefest”

 

Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon is marking National Voter Registration Day today by encouraging eligible residents across Cook County to register to vote, with a special focus on engaging the next generation of voters in the democratic process.

As part of that effort, Gordon is also unveiling a new voter engagement video, “One Vote,” created in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning Chicago rap artist Che “Rhymefest” Smith. The video uses music and storytelling to deliver a simple message: every vote matters, and every voter has a voice.

The collaboration is part of Gordon’s effort to reach young people in ways that reflect the platforms, creativity and culture that resonate with a new generation of voters.

“National Voter Registration Day is an opportunity to remind every eligible voter that participating in our democracy begins with one important step, and that is registering to vote,” said Clerk Gordon. “But this year, I especially want to challenge our young people to recognize the power they already have to shape their communities, organize around the issues they care about and make their voices heard at the ballot box.”

Gordon is calling that effort a “Teen Takeover for Democracy” and is encouraging young people to take the energy, creativity and organizing power they already demonstrate every day and channel it toward civic participation.

The “One Vote” video brings that message to life through music, with Gordon and Smith encouraging viewers to recognize that one registration, one voice, and one vote can be part of shaping the future of their communities.

The video was filmed in recent weeks at locations throughout Chicago and suburban Cook County, as well as in Washington, D.C., where Gordon participated in the August 28th March on Washington Defend the Vote Rally at the Lincoln Memorial. The event marked the 63rd anniversary of the original March on Washington and brought together thousands of participants focused on voting rights and civic participation.

Throughout National Voter Registration Day, the Clerk’s Office will be working to connect residents with voter registration opportunities and trusted election information as preparations continue for the November 3 Gubernatorial General Election.

The Clerk’s Office has made youth civic engagement a growing part of its election outreach.

Earlier this year, the Clerk’s Office partnered with the Chicago Bears on its Defenders of DA’mocracy initiative, which trained high school students to serve as Election Judges and brought a special day of Early Voting directly into 24 suburban Cook County high schools.

The program demonstrated the enthusiasm young voters can bring to the election process and gave students the opportunity not only to cast a ballot, but to learn firsthand how elections are administered and how they can play an active role in strengthening democracy.

A second Defenders of DA’mocracy high school early voting event will be held in mid-October as the Clerk’s Office continues expanding opportunities for students to engage with the November election.

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday focused on ensuring eligible Americans have the opportunity to register to vote and prepare to participate in upcoming elections. The annual observance takes place September 15 in 2026.

Clerk Gordon encouraged residents who are already registered to use the day as an opportunity to check their voter information, make a voting plan and encourage a family member, friend, coworker or young person in their life to register.

“Democracy only works when people participate,” Gordon said. “Whether you are registering for the first time, helping someone else register or simply making sure you are ready for November, National Voter Registration Day is a chance for all of us to take an active role in our elections.”

Suburban Cook County voters can find voter registration information, check their registration status and learn more about the November 3 Gubernatorial General Election at cookcountyclerk.com/elections.

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