This November will be the most talked about, most visible midterm election that we’ve seen in decades, maybe ever. Historically, midterm elections only generate about half as many votes as presidential elections, and most eligible voters do not participate. In 2014, the midterm election only yielded 36% of the eligible voting population. This was the lowest voter turnout in 70 years. Compare that to the 2016 presidential election, where 58% of eligible voters voted. That’s a huge difference! And the disparity lies mainly with millennials. Will the current political climate change all that?

That’s where HeadCount comes in. HeadCount recognizes that musicians and their fans can be leaders in worldwide social movements. Their goal is to help shape policy and culture in America by compelling the music community to become a politically influential force. In a giant team effort between musicians, concert promoters, and volunteers, HeadCount is responsible for the registration of about 500,000 voters since 2004. Working with artists like Jay-Z, the Dave Matthews Band, and our guest this episode, Marc Brownstein of The Disco Biscuits, HeadCount has been an immensely successful non-profit in terms of raising political awareness.

In this episode of UnPhiltered, we speak with HeadCount’s co-founder and Executive Director Andy Bernstein to learn more about the upcoming midterm election and what HeadCount is doing to get music fans to vote. We also have the pleasure of speaking with Marc Brownstein, bass player of the Disco Biscuits, to learn about his involvement with co-creating HeadCount.

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* HeadCount is a non-partisan organization that uses the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy. They reach young people and music fans where they already are – at concerts and online – to inform and empower. Their message is not about what party you support or where you land on an issue. It’s that you must speak to be heard.







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