As Election Day Nears, Music Industry Non-Profits Join Forces For Music Votes To Increase Voter Turnout

Originally published June 13.

In November, the United States is holding its presidential election, and non-partisan music industry non-profits #iVoted, HeadCount, Rock the Vote and more are joining forces with a new coalition, Music Votes, to increase voter turnout and get younger music fans to the polls. The new coalition is led by the Music Sustainability Alliance.

The new nonpartisan program aims to work with artists, music companies, venues and record stores to connect with audiences and show them why it’s important to participate in elections. Also involved in the new coalition include Black Voters Matter, Environmental Voter Project, Grounded, hip Hop Caucus, Music Declares Emergency US, NOISE FOR NOW, Pizza to the Polls, Propeller, Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities, REVERB, ShowUp, Support+Feed, The Ally Coalition, TradesForce and Well Dunn Foundation.

“Why does voting matter? I simply believe that your voice shapes the future,” Dawn Richard, recording artist and Hip Hop Artist Relations Director, said in a statement. “When you vote, you’re participating in democracy, ensuring that your opinions, values and concerns are represented. It’s a fundamental right and responsibility that empowers you to hold leaders accountable and to contribute to the collective direction of society. Your vote is not just a mark on a ballot; it’s a powerful tool for change and progress.”

#iVoted is also teaming up as part of MUSIC VOTES, the nonpartisan non-profit able to analyze which artists have the biggest reach in a particular market, and teaming up with them to encourage fans to vote in federal and local elections.

“We’re able to analyze the data on the top trending artists in any location to determine which artists have the largest civic impact unique to each city and state,” #iVoted CEO Emily White said in a statement. “By comparing the artists’ fan demographics with local voter files, we can show which artists will increase voter registration and turnout the most.”

Options for implementation of MUSIC VOTES include: posting voter registration links, post or create activations for fans and employees with VoteRiders to check they’re ready to vote and align with #iVoted’s election night concerts.