Universal Music Group’s Use Your Voice campaign and HeadCount want to help you understand how to make an impact on the issues you care about most at the ballot box.
About the issues
The State of Democracy
What You Need To Know
Democracy works when we all vote.
Since the 2020 election, a majority of states have updated their voting laws, potentially affecting your eligibility to vote.
Typically, state lawmakers (many of whom appear on the ballot) determine how elections are run in their state – from drawing district lines to overseeing voter registration processes.
What You Can Do
You can shape the future of democracy. Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
The State of Democracy
→ What You Need To Know
→ What You Can Do
Democracy works when we all vote.
Since the 2020 election, a majority of states have updated their voting laws, potentially affecting your eligibility to vote.
Typically, state lawmakers (many of whom appear on the ballot) determine how elections are run in their state – from drawing district lines to overseeing voter registration processes.
You can shape the future of democracy. Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
The State of Democracy
→ What You Need To Know
Democracy works when we all vote.
Since the 2020 election, a majority of states have updated their voting laws, potentially affecting your eligibility to vote.
Typically, state lawmakers (many of whom appear on the ballot) determine how elections are run in their state – from drawing district lines to overseeing voter registration processes.
→ What You Can Do
You can shape the future of democracy. Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
The Economy & The 2024 Elections
→ What You Need To Know
The state of the U.S. economy is at the forefront of this year’s elections. To understand some of the economic issues at the heart of the election debate, keep reading.
FOOD
Roughly 44 million Americans, including 13 million children, face food insecurity in the U.S. And more than 49 million Americans have turned to publicly funded programs and nonprofits for food assistance.
Lawmakers and elected officials decide on publicly funded programs to address food insecurity and can play an important role in helping combat hunger across the country.
Source: Feeding America
HOUSING
Due to the rising cost of home ownership, more than one-third of America’s middle-class has been priced out of the housing market. The rental market has also been affected, with rent prices increasing by 22% from pre-pandemic levels. Studies show at least 12 million Americans spending 50%+ of their income on rent and utilities.
State and local officials can enhance home affordability through a variety of policies, such as zoning, permitting and tax credits. They also consider measures that affect the rights of renters and landlords.
Sources: Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, CBS News
INFLATION
Higher costs of living – including prices at the grocery store and gas pumps – are deeply affecting what consumers can afford, forcing them to cut back spending. At the same time, rising interest rates mean that it’s more expensive to borrow money to pay back the debt they’ve curbed together.
Sources: Time Magazine, CNN
POVERTY
37.9 million people lived in poverty across the U.S. in 2022.
Access to government funded public programs and tax credits that support individuals and families in need are decided by elected officials.
Sources: U.S. Census, Time Magazine
→ What You Can Do
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
The Economy & The 2024 Elections
→ What You Need To Know
The state of the U.S. economy is at the forefront of this year’s elections. To understand some of the economic issues at the heart of the election debate, keep reading.
FOOD
Roughly 44 million Americans, including 13 million children, face food insecurity in the U.S. And more than 49 million Americans have turned to publicly funded programs and nonprofits for food assistance.
Lawmakers and elected officials decide on publicly funded programs to address food insecurity and can play an important role in helping combat hunger across the country.
Source: Feeding America
HOUSING
Due to the rising cost of home ownership, more than one-third of America’s middle-class has been priced out of the housing market. The rental market has also been affected, with rent prices increasing by 22% from pre-pandemic levels. Studies show at least 12 million Americans spending 50%+ of their income on rent and utilities.
State and local officials can enhance home affordability through a variety of policies, such as zoning, permitting and tax credits. They also consider measures that affect the rights of renters and landlords.
Sources: Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, CBS News
INFLATION
Higher costs of living – including prices at the grocery store and gas pumps – are deeply affecting what consumers can afford, forcing them to cut back spending. At the same time, rising interest rates mean that it’s more expensive to borrow money to pay back the debt they’ve curbed together.
Sources: Time Magazine, CNN
POVERTY
37.9 million people live in poverty across the U.S. in 2022.
Access to government funded public programs and tax credits that support individuals and families in need are decided by elected officials.
Sources: U.S. Census, Time Magazine
→ What You Can Do
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
The Economy & The 2024 Elections
What You Need To Know
The state of the U.S. economy is at the forefront of this year’s elections. To understand some of the economic issues at the heart of the election debate, keep reading.
INFLATION
Higher costs of living – including prices at the grocery store and gas pumps – are deeply affecting what consumers can afford, forcing them to cut back spending. At the same time, rising interest rates mean that it’s more expensive to borrow money to pay back the debt they’ve curbed together.
Sources: Time Magazine, CNN
POVERTY
37.9 million people live in poverty across the U.S. in 2022.
Access to government funded public programs and tax credits that support individuals and families in need are decided by elected officials.
Sources: U.S. Census, Time Magazine
FOOD
Roughly 44 million Americans, including 13 million children, face food insecurity in the U.S. And more than 49 million Americans have turned to publicly funded programs and nonprofits for food assistance.
Lawmakers and elected officials decide on publicly funded programs to address food insecurity and can play an important role in helping combat hunger across the country.
Sources: Feeding America
HOUSING
Due to the rising cost of home ownership, more than one-third of America’s middle-class has been priced out of the housing market. The rental market has also been affected, with rent prices increasing by 22% from pre-pandemic levels. Studies show at least 12 million Americans spending 50%+ of their income on rent and utilities.
State and local officials can enhance home affordability through a variety of policies, such as zoning, permitting and tax credits. They also consider measures that affect the rights of renters and landlords.
Sources: Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, CBS News
What You Can Do
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
The Power of Young Voters in the 2024 Election
→ What You Need to Know
The youth vote matters and has historically had a powerful impact on elections!
Since the 2020 election, 8.3 million more GenZ’ers have become eligible to vote. This year, nearly 50% of eligible voters are Gen Z and Millennials.
Sources: Tuft University’s CIRCLE, GOVERNING
The youth vote significantly affected key election results over recent cycles. It has the power to do so again this November. But that will only happen if young people are registered and ready to vote!
→ What You Can Do
Register and make your voting plan!
The Power of Young Voters in the 2024 Election
→ What You Need to Know
The youth vote matters and has historically had a powerful impact on elections! Since the 2020 election, 8.3 million more GenZ’ers have become eligible to vote. This year, nearly 50% of eligible voters are Gen Z and Millennials.
Sources: Tuft University’s CIRCLE, GOVERNING
The youth vote significantly affected key election results over recent cycles. It has the power to do so again this November. But that will only happen if young people are registered and ready to vote!
→ What You Can Do
Register and make your voting plan!
The Power of Young Voters in the 2024 Election
What You Need to Know
The youth vote matters and has historically had a powerful impact on elections!
Since the 2020 election, 8.3 million more GenZ’ers have become eligible to vote. This year, nearly 50% of eligible voters are Gen Z and Millennials.
Sources: Tuft University’s CIRCLE, GOVERNING
The youth vote significantly affected key election results over recent cycles. It has the power to do so again this November. But that will only happen if young people are registered and ready to vote!
What You Can Do
Register and make your voting plan!
LGBTQ+ Americans and The 2024 Elections
→ What You Need to Know
The individuals elected in the 2024 election will decide on important policies impacting LGBTQ+ citizens.
According to GLAAD, 49% of LGBTQ+ Americans experienced harassment or bullying based on the current political discourse. 76% said the current political discourse is having a negative impact on their mental health.
Source: GLAAD
In some states, local school boards and legislatures are removing books and resources that talk about LGBTQ+ communities, history, or experiences – while conversely, others are mandating that LGBTQ+ curricula be taught in school classrooms.
Policies regarding trans and non-binary children’s healthcare, access to sports, and bathroom usage are the subject of recent state legislation and will be decided by officials elected this November.
Sources: NBC News and Movement Advancement Project
In some states, transgender and non-binary adults may encounter expensive and complicated
legal steps in order to update legal documents and/or register to vote.
Policymakers elected this November are the ones who will consider, draft and vote on these issues in their respective legislatures.
Source: HeadCount
Where they exist, nondiscrimination laws provide important protections but many have carve-outs at the state level that allow for LGBTQ+ people to be legally treated differently – including unique adoption, service provider, healthcare, and education laws that have different stipulations than those in place for other American communities.
Conversely, the absence of nondiscrimination laws can also have a negative impact on LGBTQ+ Americans – particularly in areas such as employment, housing, and banking.
Source: Movement Advancement Project
→ What You Can Do?
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
LGBTQ+ Americans and The 2024 Elections
→ What You Need to Know
The individuals elected in the 2024 election will decide on important policies impacting LGBTQ+ citizens.
According to GLAAD, 49% of LGBTQ+ Americans experienced harassment or bullying based on the current political discourse. 76% said the current political discourse is having a negative impact on their mental health.
Source: GLAAD
In some states, local school boards and legislatures are removing books and resources that talk about LGBTQ+ communities, history, or experiences – while conversely, others are mandating that LGBTQ+ curricula be taught in school classrooms.
Policies regarding trans and non-binary children’s healthcare, access to sports, and bathroom usage are the subject of recent state legislation and will be decided by officials elected this November.
Sources: NBC News and Movement Advancement Project
In some states, transgender and non-binary adults may encounter expensive and complicated
legal steps in order to update legal documents and/or register to vote.
Policymakers elected this November are the ones who will consider, draft and vote on these issues in their respective legislatures.
Source: HeadCount
Where they exist, nondiscrimination laws provide important protections but many have carve-outs at the state level that allow for LGBTQ+ people to be legally treated differently – including unique adoption, service provider, healthcare, and education laws that have different stipulations than those in place for other American communities.
Conversely, the absence of nondiscrimination laws can also have a negative impact on LGBTQ+ Americans – particularly in areas such as employment, housing, and banking.
Source: Movement Advancement Project
→ What You Can Do?
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
LGBTQ+ Americans and The 2024 Elections
What You Need to Know
The individuals elected in the 2024 election will decide on important policies impacting LGBTQ+ citizens.
According to GLAAD, 49% of LGBTQ+ Americans experienced harassment or bullying based on the current political discourse. 76% said the current political discourse is having a negative impact on their mental health.
Source: GLAAD
In some states, local school boards and legislatures are removing books and resources that talk about LGBTQ+ communities, history, or experiences – while conversely, others are mandating that LGBTQ+ curricula be taught in school classrooms.
Policies regarding trans and non-binary children’s healthcare, access to sports, and bathroom usage are the subject of recent state legislation and will be decided by officials elected this November.
Sources: NBC News and Movement Advancement Project,
In some states, transgender and non-binary adults may encounter expensive and complicated
legal steps in order to update legal documents and/or register to vote.
Policymakers elected this November are the ones who will consider, draft and vote on these issues in their respective legislatures.
Source: HeadCount
Where they exist, nondiscrimination laws provide important protections but many have carve-outs at the state level that allow for LGBTQ+ people to be legally treated differently – including unique adoption, service provider, healthcare, and education laws that have different stipulations than those in place for other American communities.
Conversely, the absence of nondiscrimination laws can also have a negative impact on LGBTQ+ Americans – particularly in areas such as employment, housing, and banking.
Source: Movement Advancement Project
What You Can Do?
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
Reproductive Health Access + The 2024 Elections
→ What You Need to Know
The Supreme Court’s June 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson established abortion policy as a state issue. This decision changed the law so that each state now determines its own abortion rights.
Today, at least 21 states ban or restrict access to abortion — with other bans blocked or tied up in court — while 27 states currently allow abortion.
Decision makers currently determining local abortion access include state legislators, governors, judges, and VOTERS.
On November 5th, women’s reproductive health access will be on the ballot through citizen-driven ballot initiatives, through state legislative and judicial races, and in federal elections.
→ What You Can Do
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
Reproductive Choice Access + The 2024 Elections
→ What You Need to Know
The Supreme Court’s June 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson established abortion policy as a state issue. This decision changed the law so that each state now determines its own abortion rights.
Today, at least 21 states ban or restrict access to abortion — with other bans blocked or tied up in court — while 27 states currently allow abortion.
Decision makers currently determining local abortion access include state legislators, governors, judges, and VOTERS.
On November 5th, women’s reproductive health access will be on the ballot through citizen-driven ballot initiatives, through state legislative and judicial races, and in federal elections.
→ What You Can Do
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
Reproductive Choice Access + The 2024 Elections
What You Need To Know
The Supreme Court’s June 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson established abortion policy as a state issue. This decision changed the law so that each state now determines its own abortion rights.
Today, at least 21 states ban or restrict access to abortion — with other bans blocked or tied up in court — while 27 states currently allow abortion.
Decision makers currently determining local abortion access include state legislators, governors, judges, and VOTERS.
On November 5th, women’s reproductive health access will be on the ballot through citizen-driven ballot initiatives, through state legislative and judicial races, and in federal elections.
What You Can Do
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
The Environment
→ What You Need to Know
To address global climate change, in 2022 the United States pledged to cut carbon emissions by
50% by 2030.
This pledge requires action at the federal, state, and local levels and touches nearly every aspect of our lives – from jobs, to economic security, to the electricity we use and the cars we drive.
Sources: The White House
Those elected on November 5th will determine how we address climate change and everyone who votes will have a say in who those policymakers will be.
→ What You Can Do
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
The Environment
→ What You Need to Know
To address global climate change, in 2022 the United States pledged to cut carbon emissions by
50% by 2030.
This pledge requires action at the federal, state, and local levels and touches nearly every aspect of our lives – from jobs, to economic security, to the electricity we use and the cars we drive.
Sources: The White House
Those elected on November 5th will determine how we address climate change and everyone who votes will have a say in who those policymakers will be.
→ What You Can Do
Use Your Voice and Vote About It!
The Environment
What You Need to Know
To address global climate change, in 2022 the United States pledged to cut carbon emissions by
50% by 2030.
This pledge requires action at the federal, state, and local levels and touches nearly every aspect of our lives – from jobs, to economic security, to the electricity we use and the cars we drive.
Sources: The White House
Those elected on November 5th will determine how we address climate change and everyone who votes will have a say in who those policymakers will be.
What You Can Do
USE YOUR VOICE & VOTE ABOUT IT
