On November 4th, elections took place in the majority of states across the country. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Young and diverse candidates made history
Across the country, young people won elections and inspired civic participation. From school boards to city halls to mayors offices and state legislatures, young people are proving that they are ready to lead and bring fresh energy into our civic process. Meet a few of the inspiring, authentic, values-drive young people who won their elections and will go on to serve in their communities:
In Charlottesville, Zyahna Bryant, 24, turned years of activism into action by winning a seat on the city’s School Board. Bryant - a young, Black community activist - first gained fame as a teen petitioning to remove Confederate statues. She was the top vote-getter for School Board, signaling strong support for this young advocate of educational equity.
In New York City, Zohran Mamdani, 34, made history as the youngest NYC mayor elected in over a century - and the second youngest ever. A former State Assemblymember and progressive voice for working people, Zohran’s campaign galvanized young voters and helped drive record turnout in the November election — pushing NYC’s total number of voters past 2 million for the first time since 1969.
Down in Florida, Bryan Calvo, 27, became the youngest mayor in the entire state, winning decisively in his hometown of Hialeah after a decisive win. Calvo, who started his political career while in law school, ran on a message of transparency, lowering taxes and fees, and fighting corruption.
In Ohio, PJ Errera, 35, broke barriers as the first out LGBTQIA+ member elected to the Kent School Board, bringing representation and new perspectives.
In Newark, NJ, David Daughety, 23, joined the city’s Board of Education as one of its youngest members ever — and its first Gen Z official. A recent college graduate, he ran on elevating student voices and improving youth programs.
In Detroit, Mary Sheffield made history as the youngest Black woman ever elected to lead a major U.S. city.
In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger was elected governor, becoming the state’s first female governor in history. In the same election, Ghazala F. Hashmi was elected lieutenant governor, making her the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the U.S.
These wins show that young people aren’t waiting their turn. They’re claiming their seats and shaping the future. Young people are craving change and eager to vote for candidates who reflect their priorities.
2. Voters Weighed In On Changes to the Electoral Process
Across the country, voters didn’t just pick candidates, they also made choices about how elections themselves should work. The results showed a mix of ideas, but one clear message: people care deeply about keeping our elections fair and accessible.
- In Maine, voters rejected “Question 1,” a proposal that would’ve added new voting restrictions like photo ID requirements and tighter absentee ballot rules. The “no” vote means Maine will keep its current system, which makes voting more accessible for everyone.
- In California, voters approved Proposition 50, a temporary measure to redraw the state’s congressional districts. The plan adds five Democratic-leaning seats — a direct response to Texas creating five new Republican-leaning ones. While partisan gerrymandering isn’t something we celebrate, the measure’s passage shows California voters wanted to push back against lopsided maps elsewhere and make their voices heard - and ensure a level playing field going into the 2026 midterms. The state will return to its independent, nonpartisan redistricting process in 2030.
- And in Texas, voters passed Proposition 16, which says non-citizens can’t vote in elections…something that was already the law! The measure doesn’t actually change who can vote, but it shows how voting rights and rules continue to be a hot topic in the state.
While the outcomes varied, one thing was consistent nationwide: elections ran smoothly, securely, and without major issues. That’s something worth celebrating.
3. Every Year Is an “On” Year for Democracy
This year’s elections proved that democracy doesn’t take an off year — and neither does HeadCount. Even without a presidential race, a majority of states had elections shaping their schools, cities, and communities last night.
In 2025, we showed up everywhere young people already are: concerts, festivals, community events, and online. Together with our volunteers, artist partners, and supporters, we registered more than 39,000 voters and helped over 1 million people get ready to vote — whether by checking their registration, finding out what was on their ballot, or making a plan to cast their vote.
Our impact stretched from packed arenas to pop-ups and festival fields. Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and Brandi Carlile powered the most voter registrations this year through sold-out tours and digital campaigns that blended fandom with civic action. We also hit new highs at All Things Go, Electric Forest, and Outside Lands, and teamed up with artists like Chappell Roan, Glass Animals, Remi Wolf, Ravyn Lenae, My Morning Jacket, Leon Bridges, and John Legend, whose fans showed up big for democracy. Across 1,000+ field events and 50+ festivals, HeadCount made civic participation part of youth culture. Democracy is not just something that happens every four years.
Sabrina Carpenter drove tens of thousands of fans to HeadCount to take action.
As we head into winter and look toward 2026, HeadCount is keeping that energy alive. Democracy is a year-round gig, and we’re proud to keep fans and voters plugged in, informed, and ready to make their voices heard, every show, every season, every year. ✌️
HeadCount volunteers and staff during National Voter Registration Day.