Heading to the polls this election could come with a soundtrack. A Philadelphia-based initiative called DJ at the Polls is bringing music -- and a party atmosphere -- to voting locations across the country, including Houston.
Founded in 2009, the organization places DJs outside polling locations to increase voter engagement and create a celebratory atmosphere around civic participation.
The initiative specifically targets neighborhoods with high populations of people of color — areas where voter turnout has historically been low. Rather than bringing in outside talent, Moore hires DJs from within those communities — people who already have deep roots and existing social media followings that can drive awareness and excitement around Election Day.
“Music brings everybody together ... people will jump on that dance floor and have fun,” founder Anton Moore said.
Here is the full list of Houston-are polling places that’ll have DJs on Election Day:
Moore says the idea came from his years working in radio and on BET’s Rap City, where he saw firsthand how DJs bring energy to a crowd.
“What if we had a DJ at the polling location ... and that’s where it was born,” Moore said. Moore acknowledges that demographics differ between Philadelphia and Houston, but says music remains a universal connector. Success, he adds, is measured by data -- tracking whether the presence of DJs translates to increased turnout at targeted locations.
This isn’t just a feel-good idea — it’s backed by data. In the 2024 general election, DJs at the Polls:
On the ground, the results were just as strong: over 95% of DJs reported that voters danced, smiled, or thanked them for bringing music to the polls — and over 95% said they’d do it again.
A 2022 midterm experiment in Philadelphia showed the program produced a 3% boost in voter turnout at targeted locations. The organization is now evaluating 2024 results against state voter files to calculate a precise cost per net vote.
Participating DJ Michelle McKnight says she sees her role as more than just spinning records. As an open-format DJ, McKnight plans to play a wide variety of genres -- from Earth, Wind & Fire to Mary J. Blige -- to create an environment welcoming to voters of all ages and backgrounds.
She views the opportunity as a way to use her professional craft in support of positive civic engagement.
“Voting is a crucial decision that impacts families, friends and colleagues,” McKnight said, emphasizing that participation in the democratic process is one of the most direct ways individuals can have their voices heard.
If you’re still on the fence about casting a ballot, Moore has a simple message:
“We can’t sit on social media and complain ... the more you vote, the more you get,” he said.
