ESA, VGVN Announce 'Play for Real: Gamer Voter Drive'

The ESA game trade association-sponsored Video Game Voters Network (VGVN) has announced a new voter registration drive targeted specifically toward American adults who play computer and video games. The “Play for Real: Gamer Voter Drive” is a project of the VGVN which ESA president Douglas Lowenstein notes “will offer the adults who have grown up with our computer and video games a unique way to involve themselves in the political process on all issues, including the ones that matter most to gamers.” Lowenstein added: “Tens of thousands of voting-aged gamers have joined the Video Game Voters grassroots political network since it was created last March. Unfortunately, when it comes to voting, polls show that less than half of 18 to 29 year olds turned out at the polls in the 2004 election, compared to 68% of those over 35 years old who cast their ballot. We want to help engage gamers by offering this new registration tool, and by spreading the word that it’s time for gamers to put down their controllers and play for real by voting in the upcoming elections.” Established in March 2006, the VGVN bills itself as a "grassroots organization" for adults who play games, seeking to make their voices heard on the increasing number of anti-game bills circulating in several state and even federal branches of legislation. Those over 18 can join the Network at its official website, which features information on a variety of game-related concerns and how voters can respond to them.