Comedians Encourage Students to Register and Vote

Just in time for election season, the Jokes for Votes Comedy Tour made its way to the Satellite Student Union for a few laughs and a few more votes.

Funny or Die and Next Gen formed the tour to bring comedians across California to state colleges for entertainment and to encourage voter registration.

The night of fun featured comedians Kate Berlant, Demetri Martin, Beth Stelling, and James Adomian.

The jokesters weren’t afraid to poke fun at the election, politicians, and their own political views.

Funny or Die Associate Producer Michelle Senay says the comedy show helps take the seriousness out of talking about the election this year. She says the tour helps at least 25 percent of their audience get registered or to check their status.

“We kind of want to make a reason for college kids to get out of their dorm and get them a little more excited about voting because you know we’re all-with this election we’re all hearing about it all the time,” Senay says.

USU Productions helped bring this tour to the Fresno State campus.

Event Coordinator Alejandra Prado says she’s glad students were able to have a good time but also hear more about the importance of voting.

“It was like a great experience for students to see as well as learn how to  register to vote because their voice matters, and it’s a good break from school,” Prado says.

Show attendee Destany Caywood checked her information during the show and realized she was unregistered to vote.

She says thanks to the show, she knows the importance of registering. She doesn’t support either candidate but still plans to vote.

“If I do vote, at least I can feel like my voice was heard maybe even a little bit even if I don’t really feel like it made a difference. At least I tried,” Caywood says.

The tour made sure to do shows at all colleges in California before the deadline to register in the state which is Oct. 24.