Email from Janelle Monáe: "More Important than a Selfie"

This morning, artist Janelle Monáe sent the following message to the White House email list. Raise your voice with Janelle, and celebrate National Voter Registration Day by registering to vote at vote.USA.gov.

There was once a time when young African-American women like myself did not get the opportunity to vote. They simply could not.

I think about that every time I go to the polls to exercise that fundamental right -- not just to honor those who fought so I could have it, but because, simply put, I know that this is an essential part of our democracy.

Whether we want to change our communities, or have a say in the public issues we care about the most -- the power we have to make that happen is the power we have at the polls.

That's why I exercise my right to vote.

Are you with me?

It starts with getting registered. And today, people of all ages, of all points of view, all across the country, are doing that together. It's easy. It's fast. And you can do it right here -- no matter which state you live in.

Get registered to vote right now.

In 2015, the fact is this: We have more voices on more platforms than ever before. It's easier than ever to post an opinion or raise a complaint on any number of social sites, and with any number of people.

But here's what I want to say to you:

You should be thinking long and hard about sharing those opinions, and saying you want action, if you aren't willing to share your most fundamental opinion where it has a direct ability to make a difference: In the voting booth.

Think about that. And go register to vote right now.

See you at the polls -

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is an American musical recording artist.