Global Citizen and Headcount Announce 'Just Vote' Campaign to Mobilize Young Voters

NEW YORK, Tuesday, September 8, 2020 /3BL Media/ - International advocacy organization Global Citizen and voter registration organization HeadCount today announced the launch of the Just Vote campaign to engage young Americans to check their status, register and vote in November and elections beyond. The non-partisan campaign aims to engage one million young voters and get 50,000 young people registered ahead of the 2020 elections. 

The Just Vote campaign will engage and reward young people by offering exclusive experiences, performances, and memorabilia donated by artists and entertainers that can only be unlocked through checking your voting registration status. Artists supporting the campaign include Billie Eilish, Billy Porter, DJ Khaled, FINNEAS, Julianne Hough, Loren Gray, Nicky Jam, Quavo, Taylor Swift, Usher and more. Once they check their voting registration status, participants will have the opportunity to receive access to exciting opportunities like a virtual dance lesson with Usher and his choreographer, a never-before-seen performance from Nicky Jam, a happy hour meet and greet with Quavo, or a virtual get together with DJ Khaled. The Just Vote campaign will employ precise tracking of voter registrations to track the campaign’s success.

“We are proud to launch the Just Vote campaign with HeadCount to encourage more young people to check their voter registration status and register to vote,” said HUGH EVANS, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF GLOBAL CITIZEN. “For years, we have activated Global Citizens to be part of the solution to critical issues, and voting is a vital way to make a difference. We are excited about Just Vote’s potential to activate young voter turnout in November and beyond.”

This year, young people have more sway than ever. Research shows that more than a third of eligible voters are Gen Z or Millennials, and 83% of people 18-29 believe they have the power to change the country and the world. But only 60% are planning to vote. In fact across the board, voter registration numbers are down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent study, in 11 states the number of new voters in April of 2020 decreased by 70% as compared to April 2016. Other states are down as much as 50% over the same period. 

“With only a few months until the election, this is a pivotal moment to be launching Just Vote,” said ANDY BERNSTEIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HEADCOUNT. “The challenges of COVID-19 demand that we innovate the ways in which we engage potential voters. That’s why we are thrilled to partner with Global Citizen, these brilliant artists and companies to excite voters, and encourage participation in our democracy.”

Just Vote is also teaming up with corporate and foundation partners to expand the campaign’s reach and impact. Corporate partners include Cisco and Procter & Gamble and foundation partners include Wallace Global Fund. As part of the campaign, these partners are giving their employees resources, and time off to vote and participate in November’s election.

"‘MAJOR KEY ALERT!’ Checking your voting status and registering to vote is easy and important," said DJ KHALED. "I’m  partnering with Global Citizen and HeadCount, to make sure everyone has a chance to use their voice. I'm looking forward to hosting a virtual meet and greet with the Just Vote campaign to talk with young people who have taken the time to check their voter registration status."

This unique coalition of organizations has an unprecedented power to mobilize the youth vote. Both Global Citizen and HeadCount have the ability to connect people through music and entertainment, and are uniquely positioned to reach potential new voters. Global Citizen and HeadCount will inspire inclusion through culture, with the goal of bolstering and activating the will of the next generation to vote. 

For more information about Just Vote, please visit www.globalcitizen.org/justvote.

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ABOUT JUST VOTE:

Just Vote is a non-partisan, get-out-the-vote campaign launched by Global Citizen and HeadCount to mobilize support from artists, influencers, media and corporations to give young Americans the tools to use their voice in the 2020 U.S. elections. The non-partisan effort aims to engage 1 million young voters and get 50,000 young people registered for the first time or re-registered ahead of November 3, 2020. Visit www.globalcitizen.org/justvote to learn more. 

ABOUT GLOBAL CITIZEN:

Global Citizen is the world's largest movement of action takers and impact makers dedicated to ending extreme poverty by 2030. With over 10 million monthly advocates, our voices have the power to drive lasting change around sustainability, equality, and humanity. We post, tweet, message, vote, sign, and call to inspire those who can make things happen to act — government leaders, businesses, philanthropists, artists, and citizens — together improving lives. By downloading our app, Global Citizens learn about the systemic causes of extreme poverty, take action on those issues, and earn rewards with tickets to concerts, events, and experiences all over the world. To date, the actions of our community, along with high-level advocacy efforts and work with partners, has resulted in commitments and policy announcements from leaders valued at over $48 billion, affecting the lives of more than 880 million people. For more information, visit GlobalCitizen.org.

ABOUT HEADCOUNT:

HeadCount is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that promotes participation in democracy through music, culture, and digital media. Since 2004 the organization has registered over 650,000 voters and worked with a long list of musicians and partners including Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Dave Matthews Band, JAY-Z, Beyoncé, March for Our Lives, RuPaul’s DragCon, MTV, and Dead & Company. With 40,000 volunteers, street teams in most major U.S. cities, and presence at more than 1,000 events each year, HeadCount ranks as one of the most active grassroots civic participation organizations in the United States. Following COVID-19 restrictions, the organization quickly pivoted to an all-digital approach that led to innovation and online initiatives to fill the needs of the public in using their voices in democracy. For more information, visit HeadCount.org.

CONTACTS:

Global Citizen, Charmion N. Kinder, media@globalcitizen.org 
Sunshine Sachs on behalf of Global Citizen, GC@sunshinesachs.com 
The Syndicate on behalf of HeadCount, Jeff Kilgour, jeff@thesyn.com