Kany García urges Puerto Ricans to register to vote ahead of November elections

The singer highlighted the urgency of the current political moment, pointing out the pressing issues Puerto Ricans face daily. 

Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García has joined a growing number of artists encouraging fellow citizens to register to vote ahead of the Nov. 5 elections.

The multi-award-winning artist took to social media to deliver a heartfelt message to her followers, urging them to take action.

 “Loving your country is a duty of the heart,” she said, calling on those not yet registered to get their electoral cards at the State Elections Commission (CEE by its Spanish initials), before the Sept. 21 deadline.

In the video, García emphasized her deep connection to Puerto Rico, calling it her “first love.”

“I love Puerto Rico with all my heart and soul,” she said. “I beg those who haven’t registered yet—please, go out and do it,” she added.

The singer also highlighted the urgency of the current political moment, pointing out the pressing issues Puerto Ricans face daily. 

“It’s important to vote this year because we’re living in difficult times. Basic necessities are lacking,” she said. 

García described the struggles within the healthcare system, where people often have to rely on personal connections to receive timely medical attention. “That’s not the country we deserve,” she assured.

The singer also shared personal stories, noting how her siblings, both teachers, experience firsthand the challenges in the island’s educational system. She emphasized the instability of essential services, like electricity and water, which frequently fail. García expressed frustration that these shortcomings have become normalized, adding, “that’s the saddest part.”

She also criticized long-standing political figures, who have remained in power for years, promising change but delivering little. “Now they say they’ll do things differently,” she commented skeptically. 

García addressed the fear mongering in political discourse, particularly comparisons with Venezuela and Cuba. Instead, she called for focusing on countries that have found success. “I’m a woman of actions, and actions speak louder than words,” she said, urging voters to demand more from their leaders.

Anticipating criticism, García made it clear that Puerto Rico is her true home, despite claims about her time spent in Miami. She reaffirmed her commitment to the island, where she files taxes, owns a business, and spends her free time. “They make it harder for us to stay, but that’s exactly what we must fight against,” she concluded, calling on all Puerto Ricans to register and show they are tired of the status quo.

In recent weeks, thousands of people have complained of waiting for long hours to register. The CEE has said this is due to a lack of staff. People have also had problems completing the online process.

Last week, the singer kept her promise and went to the CEE to personally deliver lunch to the people who were waiting in line to register.

Urban singers Bad Bunny, PJ Sinsuela, Rafa Pabón, songwriter Ile,  former Miss Universe Denise Quiñones, and numerous actors and athletes have encouraged voter registration and participation in Puerto Rico’s upcoming election.

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.

RELATED: Bad Bunny’s emotional plea: Vote in November to change Puerto Rico’s future