(AllHipHop News) A variety of rappers are encouraging their fans to go to the polls today and cast their vote in the local, general elections today (November 2nd). Republicans are hoping to capture 39 seats to win a majority in the House of Representatives, while Democrats are attempting to retain control of the Senate. Americans are heading to the polls to decide a variety local, state and national races, during a turbulent time in the country due to a number of hot-button issues, including the economy.”I refuse to go back to the days when insurance companies could deny coverage or drop coverage bc you’re sick,” rapper Common tweeted. “I refuse to go back to the days when credit card companies could jack up your rates without reason. I refuse to go back to the same ideas that didn’t work the first time.”According to Def Jam/Phat Farm founder Russell Simmons, the United States could enter into a dark period, if Republicans gain control of Congress. “If we don’t vote, we will open the door to a dark, hallucinatory chapter in American politics of deep unconsciousness, hatred and lies,” Russell Simmons said in an article on The Huffington Post. “The Republican establishment can’t tame this movement – history is filled with examples of the opposite happening – of the movements taking over the party, both from the extreme left and the extreme right,” Simmons said. “When money and fringe movements meet at the right time, and the majority doesn’t act to stop them, the movements take over and destroy civil society. And today those movements want to kill government, when we need it functioning and active in a fragile recovery from the worst recession in our lifetimes. They want to blame ethnic groups that have nothing to do with why we’re in a recession.”Hip-Hop Caucus leader Reverend Lennox Yearwood echoed Common and Russell Simmons’ call to action, by stressing the importance of exercising your right to vote. “Democracy means “government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” Rev. Yearwood stated. “Your vote is important. Get out and vote today, and touch your family, friends, and community at least once today with reminders and encouragement to show up at the polls. Now is the time. Get out and Vote!”If anyone experiences problems at the polling station, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866 687-8683) or visit http://www.raiseyourvote.com/
