October 6, 2008 18:29

P Diddy, Jay-Z urge 'young America' to vote

Rap stars speak out in support of Barack Obama

P Diddy, Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige are urging young Americans to register to vote today (October 6) before tonight's registration deadline in several states.

The rap and R&B stars issued an "open letter to young America" in which they declare that the US is in a state of emergency due to the troubled economy and war in Iraq.

"We are at war, banks are closing, people are losing their jobs and houses every day," they said in the joint statement. "It is our responsibility to protect our futures. Time is running out. You must register by Monday, October 6th.

They added: "Barack Obama cannot win this election on his own; he needs our help. This election is about us. This election is about our children's future. If you have not registered to vote, you are disrespecting everyone that sacrificed their lives for you to have the right. You are also disrespecting your future."

They also encouraged young people to vote in the November 4 presidential election to ensure "we did everything in our power to make sure that Barack Obama becomes the next President Of The United States. We owe this to our children, our parents, our grandparents and ourselves. We need you to become a part of Team Obama."

To check the voter registration deadline in your state, click here.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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