Just when you thought society couldn't slump any lower, this comes along. The following is a press release from IGN

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A leading gaming and entertainment platform just became a leading platform for change. Microsoft Corp. and Rock the Vote today announced a groundbreaking partnership that will allow Xbox 360 owners to register to vote, participate in presidential polls and voice their opinions to the presidential candidates. It will all happen through Xbox Live starting Monday, Aug. 25, the first day of the Democratic National Convention.

"Xbox is a natural partner to help us reach out to youth voters," said Heather Smith, executive director, Rock the Vote. "To realize our goal of registering 2 million young Americans by this fall, we need to go where young Americans are, and there's no doubt in our minds that many are on Xbox 360 and Xbox Live."

This is the first time that Rock the Vote has joined forces with an entertainment partner such as Xbox to reach voters under 30. Xbox Live is the largest online social network connected to the television, with membership totaling 12 million - if Xbox Live were a state, it would rank as the country's seventh largest, giving it approximately 20 electoral votes.

"The Xbox Live community is active, vocal and passionate," said Marc Whitten, general manager of Xbox Live. "We're thrilled to partner with Rock the Vote to make it easier than ever for youth voters - and our members - to register and be heard."

Through the Rock the Vote partnership, Xbox Live members will be able to register to vote, voice their opinions to the candidates through an exclusive forum and participate in potentially election-predicting polls. They will also be able to download Rock the Vote public service announcements.

Xbox also will have a presence at both the Democratic and Republican conventions, promoting the Rock the Vote partnership and educating delegates about creating a safer entertainment environment on Xbox 360 and Xbox Live using the built-in parental controls known as Family Settings. These industry-leading settings allow parents to limit their children's access to video games and movies and manage their activity and communications on Xbox Live. For more information on Family Settings and other safety-enhancing gaming tools and resources, delegates can stop by the Xbox on-site kiosk or visit http://www.xbox.com/isyourfamilyset.

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Now I like the idea of people getting more involved in Politics, I really do. If everyone voted, we'd all see a world fit for us all. But do we honestly want people who wouldn't vote unless the option is presented to them on a blade of their Xbox 360 dashboard being allowed to contribute? I feel some effort should be made, rather than it being a second thought in between bouts of Soul Calibur 4 or whatever floats your boat.

Could this all lead to party political broadcasts in game form? I can just see EA releasing "Democrat Party Manager 2010".

[/img]Manage your own dream team of political professionals. Take on todays tough competition from Republican opposition. Battle it out with your own party to win candidacy, and finally, take the battle to the White House against the Evil Republican leader and win the Cup"

Am I the only one who sees it?

(Please note that I am fully aware you will not be able to ACTUALLY vote, just register to do so. But would you really be surprised after this if that does in fact happen?)

Also, anyone who can create a game cover for 'Democrat Party Manager 2010' gets a gold sticker