About Us
We get people registered to vote and interested in democracy. We're at concerts, festivals, community events - anywhere we can translate the power of music and culture into real action.
Our Mission:
HeadCount is a non-partisan organization that uses the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy. We reach young people and music fans where they already are - at concerts and online - to inform and empower.
What does
HeadCount do?
We stage nonpartisan voter registration drives at more than 1,000 live events each year and collaborate with cultural leaders to promote civic engagement on a national scale. Since 2004, we've signed up over 1,000,000 voters through our work with touring musicians like Ariana Grande, Dead & Company, and Beyoncé and events like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Pride Festivals and RuPaul's DragCon. Meanwhile, our digital campaigns have won Clio and SHORTY awards, and our public service announcements have starred the likes of Jay-Z, Dave Matthews and members of the Grateful Dead. More information about these initiatives can be found at the bottom of this page.
Our Values:
HeadCount is an organization that values civic participation as a core foundation of any functioning society. It is the linchpin of quality and progress.
We celebrate volunteerism, diversity, social consciousness, and value our shared humanity in the democratic process. We are inclusive, youthful, friendly and human.
Most of all we believe elections should be fair, accessible and trustworthy for all voters. We work tirelessly to achieve that goal.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of HeadCount.
We have more than 40,000 nationwide. They're organized into local street teams in almost every major U.S. city. Some volunteers only sign up for a few events a year, while others hit several shows a month. Those who excel are given opportunities to become "Team Leaders," travel to festivals, or earn money as paid representatives. There are HeadCount volunteers of every age, musical taste and political ideology, but all share a love of democracy and music.
Our Vision:
Our goal is long-term, lasting change where civic participation is ingrained in our culture and high voter turnout is the norm, regardless of the political climate.
How Do Artists Work with Us?
We provide voter registration and education by meeting young people where they already are - at concerts, festivals, community events & online to help promote participation in democracy. Touring artists of all levels work with HeadCount to bring voting resources to their fans (a few examples are Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Beyoncé & Jay Z, Leon Bridges, Trixie Mattel & Princess Nokia). Okeechobee Fest, Bonnaroo, Made In America & countless other music festivals also partner with HeadCount - some even have us organize larger Participation Row activism villages to highlight all their favorite charities. HeadCount manages social impact programs for brands like Ben & Jerry's, American Eagle Outfitters and MTV, centered around civic engagement. We are also a founding partner of National Voter Registration Day, for which we orchestrate an annual social media push featuring the likes of John Legend, Stephen Colbert, Bob Weir, Usher, Camila Cabello, Meghan Trainor, and Lil Dicky with a collective reach of more than 1 billion followers.
Initiatives
Registering voters at concerts may be our "bread and butter," but it's not the only way we spark positive social action. Here are some HeadCount initiatives & projects from over the years…
What our friends are saying
HeadCount has connected me with a community of people working to make the world a better place at both a national and local level. From slinging scoops of Phish Food on tour with the eponymous band, to gathering with friends new and old on LOCKN’ Participation Row, to voter registration drives, some of the best…
Brodie O’Brien • Ben & Jerry’s US Marketing Manager
Having worked in the children’s publishing space for over twenty years, I’ve always thought that the most important part of my job was to prepare kids to become great citizens of the world through reading and books. Partnering with HeadCount has made that connection even stronger.
Jed Bennett • Executive Director of Marketing, Penguin Young Readers
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working hundreds of events with thousands of people, and the one thing that continues to inspire me is the quality of people drawn to this organization. I’ve had several titles with the organization, but the one I’m most proud of is simply being “JR with HeadCount”.
JR Wotring •Team Leader, Ohio
HeadCount truly brings in the most diverse crowd of like minded individuals that have one common goal; we want you to vote! Becoming a team leader for HeadCount has given me so much purpose & sincerely makes me feel like I’m making an impact in this huge world.
Lindi Smith • Team Leader, Virginia
Volunteering with Headcount has been one of the great joys of my life. We’re providing a service that many people have never even considered. Headcount is a great vehicle to do some good in the community I am proud to be a Headcount Team Leader.
Chris McDonald • Dallas, TX
My best memory of HeadCount is when Bob Weir and Michael Franti gave shout-outs during their performances. I literally got chills and was so proud to be part of an organization that is making a positive change. Sarah Duffany • Salt Lake City, UT
Sarah Duffany • Salt Lake City, UT
The HeadCount mission has fostered within me a true desire to promote positive change. The HeadCount community has provided me with the opportunity not only to meet but to forge strong and lasting friendships with some of the most interesting and genuine people I’ve ever known.
Brigid Tatlow • New York, NY