Volunteer FAQs

All events with HeadCount are free to attend. However, when applying to work at large events such as festivals, you are required to have a credit card on file. If a volunteer cancels within two weeks of an event, is a no-show or attends the event but does not fulfill their volunteering requirements, then HeadCount reserves the right to charge that person for the value of a general admission ticket. This policy ensures that all volunteer spots are used to support our mission. 

Approximately six hours each day (in shifts of two or three hours). At some lightly staffed events, it can be up to eight hours. In addition, you need to participate in training, setup and takedown. When not working, you must still abide by HeadCount’s festival policies.

You can sign up for a festival just like any other event. But there are several differences between festivals and regular shows. For one thing, at multi-day festivals you usually need to arrive the day before the music starts (especially if it is a camping festival). You also will need to provide a credit card as a deposit. If your plans change and you need to cancel, you will need to do so at least two weeks in advance of the festival, or your card will be charged the price of a general admission ticket.

For a concert or single-day event, you are free to leave the show early as long as you stay until the HeadCount table shuts down or are excused by your Team Leader. If you have a reason you expect you’ll need to leave early, please communicate that with the Team Leader before being confirmed for the event.

You must be 100% sober when volunteering at a HeadCount booth or on a volunteer shift. No alcohol or drugs can be consumed before or during the time you volunteer. Once your shift is done, please remove your HeadCount t-shirt if you plan to consume alcohol.If you enter an event or festival with us, you are always representing us - as such, our policies strictly forbid being openly intoxicated or using hard drugs whenever you are at an event where you gained entry via HeadCount. 

Visit www.HeadCount.org/volunteer and sign up for another show. You also can stay in touch directly with your Team Leader and let them know what shows you want to work, but you must also sign up through our website.

We’re pretty confident that if you try your best and pay attention to the training, you’ll register a few people. Plan for success!

Check our “Jobs & Internships” page to learn more about all volunteer and paid positions within HeadCount. We're growing fast, so check back from time to time and see what openings we have. In addition to full-time jobs and paid gigs, HeadCount is often seeking new Team Leaders and Regional Coordinators, who are eligible for stipends of up to $1,500 per year. Being a Team Leader is a great way to get started with HeadCount. You're the one in charge of our voter registration tables at concerts and events in your local area!

Volunteers, or as we sometimes call them “Field Volunteers,” register voters at concerts but have no responsibility beyond the events they sign up for and work. You can sign up for any shows or create a volunteer profile by visiting www.HeadCount.org/volunteer. Team Leaders and Regional Coordinators have larger responsibilities that involve overseeing and organizing other volunteers on an ongoing basis. Click on each position to get a better description and learn how to apply for these roles.

HeadCount welcomes folks of all ages to volunteer. Minors ages 13 to 15 should only be at an event when their parent or legal guardian also volunteer. We also recommend checking the age restrictions on a given event or venue. Any minor that volunteers at an event must have their parent or guardian sign a Minor Waiver. The adult should email this waiver to [email protected] for our record prior to the minor’s participation in any HeadCount events.

It can. For volunteers in good standing, HeadCount is happy to provide any documentation you need.

No. No experience is required to volunteer at a show with HeadCount.

Volunteering for HeadCount is a great way to still participate in democracy and encourage others to make their voices heard, even if you are not able to vote.