Illinois Politicians Get Out Vote on CAN TV

“We always say young people are our future,” said Illinois State Representative John Fritchey, addressing a live audience on CAN TV. “If young people want to have a say in the world they inherit, they have to go out and vote.”

Secretary of State Jesse White, Illinois State Representatives
and Chicago Aldermen joined Rep. Fritchey on a live cablecast
of Elma and Company: Election Jam 2006 on Sept. 27 to urge Chicagoans to register to vote for the Nov. 7 elections.

Mixed with performances by local hip-hop artists, Elma and Company has reached teens with positive messages through music, dance and spoken word poetry for the past 15 years.

I see a lot of young people who don’t think voting matters,” says the show’s producer, Elma Lucas. “I want them to see that when they vote, they have a voice.”

The voter registration push continued when Political Forum, CAN TV’s live, call-in show with elected officials, opened phone lines to questions about voter registration. Legislators made appearances throughout the show, along with the Chairman of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, Langdon Neal.

"CAN TV should have these shows prior to any election,” says CAN TV viewer Dennis Baker. “The number of people voting has spiraled downward, and people need to understand why they should get involved in the political process.”

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Secretary of State Jesse White, Elma and Company host Kamaria Jackson, IL State Rep. John Fritchey (11th)


Elma Lucas has produced Elma and Company on CAN TV for 15 years.


Alderman Bernard Stone (50th) and IL State Rep. Arthur Turner (9th)