HeadCount is an organization that works with musicians to promote democratic participation in the United States. The organization was founded in 2004 and has since registered over half a million voters through concerts and events.  ¹ While the organization claims to be nonpartisan, it focuses on voter registration among traditionally Democratic voter blocs, including young adults and Black Americans. ²

It conducts programs and initiatives aimed at promoting voter engagement and education. ³ HeadCount has partnered with a wide range of organizations, including music industry companies such as Pandora, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Lollapalooza, as well as left-wing nonprofits such as Global Citizen and Black Voters Matter Fund. HeadCount has also received donations from the Leaves of Grass Fund.

Founding and History

HeadCount.org was founded in 2004 by Andy Bernstein, Marc Brownstein, and Aron Magner, members of the band The Disco Biscuits. The organization was created as a response to the low voter turnout in the 2000 presidential election and the belief that music fans could be an untapped source of political activism. Since its inception, HeadCount has grown to a national organization with volunteer coordinators in over 20 cities across the United States. ⁴

Activism

One of HeadCount’s primary activities is registering voters at concerts and events. The organization has set up voter registration booths at over 15,000 concerts and events, registering over half a million voters. ⁵ HeadCount has particularly focused on voter registration among traditionally Democratic voter blocks, including young adults and Black Americans. ⁶

In addition to voter registration, HeadCount also provides voters with information and resources on issues, candidates, and the voting process. The organization has developed a website with detailed information on voting and has created educational materials for distribution at concerts and events. ⁷

HeadCount has established partnerships with a variety of organizations, including music festivals, record labels, and advocacy groups, to expand its reach and impact, including Pandora, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Lollapalooza. ⁸ In 2020, HeadCount announced a partnership with Global Citizen, a left-wing activist group. ⁹  The same year, HeadCount worked with the Black Voters Matter Fund and other left-wing organizations to start the March on Ballot Boxes initiative to promote voting in support of Black Lives Matter. ¹⁰ HeadCount has also received donations from the Leaves of Grass Fund.

HeadCount’s efforts have been praised for their innovative approach to voter engagement and its success in reaching young and infrequent voters. The organization has registered voters in all 50 states and has been recognized by several notable figures, including former President Barack Obama and musician Dave Matthews. ¹¹

In May 2024, HeadCount was one of several advocacy groups that attended an event in New York City meant to address low youth vote turnout in the city. The event was held by Type Media Center and the Puffin Foundation while other groups in attendance included 18by Vote and the New York Public Interest Research Group. ¹²

1. “About HeadCount.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023, https://www.headcount.org/about/
2. Meghan Botel and Isaiah Murtaugh. “Black Voter Mobilization Efforts Begin to Bear Fruit.” July 29, 2020. https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-07-29/black-voter-mobilization-efforts-begin-to-bear-fruit
3. “Our Impact.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023, https://www.headcount.org/impact/
4. “About HeadCount.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023, https://www.headcount.org/about/
5. “Our Impact.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023, https://www.headcount.org/impact/
6. Meghan Botel and Isaiah Murtaugh. “Black Voter Mobilization Efforts Begin to Bear Fruit.” July 29, 2020. https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-07-29/black-voter-mobilization-efforts-begin-to-bear-fruit
7.  ^[1] “Voter Resources.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023, https://www.headcount.org/voter-resources/
8. “Our Partners.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023. https://www.headcount.org/partners/
9. “Global Citizen and HeadCount Announce ‘Just Vote’ Campaign to Mobilize Young Voters.” Global Citizen. September 8, 2020. https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/enquiries/press/2020/global-citizen-and-headcount-announce-just-vote-campaign-mobiliz/
10. Meghan Botel and Isaiah Murtaugh. “Black Voter Mobilization Efforts Begin to Bear Fruit.” July 29, 2020. https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-07-29/black-voter-mobilization-efforts-begin-to-bear-fruit
11. “Press.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023. https://www.headcount.org/press/
12. Gueye, Aminata and Nikole Rajgor. “Youth Voter Turnout in NYC Is Struggling. These Organizations Want to Fix It.” The Nation, August 30, 2024. https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/voter-turnout-nyc-youth-2024/