As the presidential race heats up, some of the rising stars in modern music are making it easy for their fans to register to vote. Animal Collective, Best Coast, Cherub, Jason Isbell, Lucius, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Kurt Vile and Wavves have all partnered with the non-partisan civic engagement organization HeadCount to host voter registration drives at their concerts in 2016.
With excitement towards their newly formed partnership, Best Coast explains: "We are stoked to be working with HeadCount on our upcoming tour! It is super important to us to spread awareness on the upcoming presidential election and give our fans the opportunity to register to vote at our shows!"
They join veteran acts like JAY-Z, Wilco, Dave Matthews Band, The Black Keys, The National, My Morning Jacket, Death Cab For Cutie, Phish and Dead & Company; all of whom have hosted HeadCount's voter registration activities for many years.
About 15.5 million Americans age 21 or under are eligible to vote in their first presidential election this year. And for the first time ever, more Millennials (age 18 to 34) will be eligible to vote than Baby Boomers (age 51 to 69). By making it easy for them to register to vote, artists who are popular with young adults have a unique opportunity to make an impact on the election - without having to endorse a candidate or party.
HeadCount has volunteer teams in most major U.S. cities, making it possible to register voters at multiple tour dates by these artists. The organization was founded in 2004 by a group of musicians and concert promoters including Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead and Marc Brownstein of the Disco Biscuits, who serves as the organization's Co-Chair. In the 12 years since, they have registered well over 300,000 voters at more than 4,000 live music events.
"We are honored to work with hundreds of musicians at all different stages of their careers," says HeadCount's executive director Andy Bernstein. "But there's something extra special when you align with artists whose careers are taking off and pushing music forward. They also happen to bring out young people in droves."
Fans of these bands have the opportunity to volunteer with HeadCount and help their peers register to vote. More information on volunteer opportunities -- along with comprehensive information about voting and an online voter registration form -- can be found at the organization's website, www.HeadCount.org
