DIXIE CHICKS URGE PUBLIC TO VOTE

The Dixie Chicks announced earlier this week that they have joined the Rock the Vote campaign.

Although they won't be tied to any particular campaign or political party, the Chicks recognize the importance of educating young people on their voting rights, especially after the very public brouhaha that resulted after Natalie Maines' comments about the President during the war in Iraq.

"We never had intentions to become a political band but like it or not we have been placed on a unique political platform in the past months," said Natalie in the announcement. "We feel it would be irresponsible not to make something positive come out of that."

• published July 22, 2003