Local DJs to provide the soundtrack at Michigan polls on Nov. 5

Who knew democracy could be this much fun?

At polling sites in cities throughout Michigan on Election Day, Nov. 5, voters may find themselves dancing while in line, with local DJs providing the beat.

DJs at the Polls, a national, non-partisan, get-out-the-vote group, promises to keep the day upbeat and harmonious, with 3,500 DJs playing family friendly music at more than 7,000 polling sites in battleground states, including Michigan.

The work has two goals: Get out the vote, and celebrate America’s free and fair elections.

“It’s different and exciting,” says community activist Anton Moore, leader of Philadelphia’s 48th ward, who launched the program in Philadelphia in 2008. In past elections, he has seen “a soul train line. I’ve seen what they call the Cupid Shuffle, the Electric Slide, and line dancing…. People are just excited, so come on and lift your spirit up and keep pushing and keep going. This election really matters.”

Don’t Miss the Music

DJs at the Polls is now running social media campaigns, texting voters, providing updates on Instagram, and sending out postcards so people know that a DJ will be at their voting site.

In Michigan, some cities started early voting last weekend—but statewide in-person voting officially kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 26. To help whip up excitement on that day, DJs at the Polls is one of the community backers of a free, all-ages special event at Detroit’s Renaissance High School, from noon to 5 p.m.

The “Take Your Soles to the Polls” concert will feature star DJs including Doug E. Fresh, Babyface Ray, Charity, Slum Village and DJ Jus. Come to dance, register to vote, and even grab a free shuttle to an Early Vote Center. 

Michigan’s favorite local DJs are all in on celebrating the right to vote. Some 500 of them have signed on to bring the party to about 1,000 polling places.

“We’ll have two, sometimes three shifts throughout the day of DJs performing at various polls throughout the state,” says Jamiel Martin, who’s managing the Michigan program.

One of those playing Election Day will be DJBJ 3525, aka Brian Jackson, who’s been part of metro Detroit’s music scene for 20 years as a DJ, radio host, and entrepreneur. As co-owner of the pizza chain Pizza Cat, these days he’s more likely to spend his Friday nights making pizza then jamming at clubs. 

But he still knows how to put on a party. And he’s excited to help people feel good about exercising their right to vote on Election Day.

“To be able to be a part of that and to be able to provide the vibes for individuals in line means a lot to me,” Jackson says.

He’s already put together a playlist that covers all genres, so there’s something for everyone.

“I’m very good when it comes to reading the crowd. The songs I play at 1 p.m. may be totally different than what I play at 5:30 or 6 when people are getting off work.”

But whatever time voters reach their polling place, DJBJ 3525 promises, “I’m gonna wake you up.” 

Celebrate Your Civic Duty 

From its humble roots at its first Philadelphia location, DJs at the Polls has exploded in growth. This year, it expanded nationally and could reach as many as 10 million registered voters in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Arizona, North Carolina, Nevada, Georgia, Wisconsin, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas and, of course, Michigan. 

“Before it was like, you hand out a pamphlet on election day and say, ‘Hey, vote!’” says founder Moore, 38, who also heads Unity in the Community, which works to prevent gun violence. “I wanted to bring more excitement and fun.”

Roughly one-third of eligible voters didn’t cast ballots in 2020, with many reporting feeling as if their votes didn’t matter, or that voting was too much of a chore. DJs at the Polls is focusing on them, particularly in urban areas with large numbers of underrepresented voters—and studies show its strategy works. 

This year, thousands of DJs signed up for a chance to earn as much as $500 per set with two shifts a day, by helping people get excited about doing their civic duty. 

In compliance with local election guidelines, the nonprofit’s DJs will set up at the permissible distance from the polling place entrance and follow all local regulations. 

And they’ll be sure to be heard—as will the voices of people they encourage to come out and vote.

For more information:

• Early voting in Michigan has already begun in some places. Find out where you can vote early here.
• Starting Oct. 19, Detroit activated early voting sites that will be open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., where voters can insert their ballots directly into a tabulator.
• Follow DJs at the Polls on Instagram to find out the latest.
• Verify your voter registration status and learn more about the group on DJs at the Polls’ website.
• For media inquiries, contact Nancy Friedman at 917-309-9343, or email [email protected]