Democracy Matters and Associated Students Inc. are teaming up to host a Rock the Vote registration drive and concert Tuesday, Oct. 12 in Serna Plaza.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will kick off Political Awareness Week, which runs Oct. 12-14.

Rock the Vote, an organization owned by MTV, mixes music with politics. Its intent is to increase the number of young registered voters in the November election.

Its mixture of live music, celebrity spokespeople and progressive politics has helped boost the youth vote into an active political voice since 1990.

“This will be more than a registration drive,” said Alex Barrios, president of Sacramento State Democracy Matters. “It’s education, as well.”

Political Awareness Week allows campus organizations to educate students about candidates and important issues.

Barrios said his organization plans to teach students who say they don’t have time to vote, how to file absentee ballots.

“A lot of people think it’s hard, but it’s really easy,” Barrios said.Associated Students Inc., who is helping to fund the event, will set up informational tables on campus.

“We will be emphasizing the importance of the student vote, regardless of political affiliation,” said Olgalilia Ramirez, co-director of Governmental Affairs.

“We just want students to register and vote.”

This year’s election is capturing the attention of many young adults.

Amber Aguilar, an 18-year-old freshman majoring in criminal justice, said that this year is the first time she has paid attention to politics.

“While doing this project in my LS15 class, I studied about youth groups voting and since then, it has kind of persuaded me to vote,” Aguilar said.

Like many people, Aguilar said she does not know how to register to vote. Organizers of Political Awareness Week are eager to reach out to students like Aguilar.

Students are going to receive promotional materials courtesy of Rock the Vote, reminding them to cast their vote Nov. 2.

Seven popular Northern California bands will combine hard rock, blue grass and acoustic tunes to rock Serna Plaza, while engaging students in the voter registration process.

The lineup features Paralyzed, Maven, Virgin Suicide, Element Unknown, Out of Place, Famous Celebrities and All Else Fails.Rock the Vote will be the first major event co-sponsored on campus by Democracy Matters.

The Sac State chapter is part of a national organization founded by NBA star, Adonal Foyle.

According to the Democracy Matters Web site, Foyle, who plays for the Golden State Warriors, said he started the organization to help students fight for progressive change by standing up to big money interests corrupting America’s democracy. He said that he hopes people will help him in the fight to change elections and change America.

ESPN plans to run a special on the organization. The special report will air Oct. 24 on ESPN “Outside the Lines” at 3 p.m.-

The concert is one of three events going on for Political Awareness Week.Different campus political parties will be speaking and tabling on Oct. 13.

A debate between the campus Republicans and Democrats on Oct. 14 will cap off Political Awareness Week.

The debate is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. in the University Union and will feature topics on national security, health care, the economy, education and civil rights.

Democracy Matters urges students to help them make a difference. Students interested in volunteering should contact Alex Barrios at [email protected]