Brands and Democracy: 10 Nonpartisan Voting Rights Nonprofits You Can Support In This Election
In the run-up to the 2024 election, here’s a list of ten awesome nonpartisan voting rights nonprofits that brands can partner with to boost voter registration and turnout:
1) Rock the Vote: Rock the Vote has long been a leader in using popular culture and media to engage young voters in the political process. Since its founding in 1990, the organization has become synonymous with efforts to inspire the younger generation to exercise their right to vote. Partnering with brands like Gap Inc., HBO, and Doordash, Rock the Vote leverages these well-known names to make voter registration campaigns more visible and accessible to younger audiences. For instance, their innovative collaboration with Bird allows anyone to unlock their mobility scooters for a free ride to the polls.
2) When We All Vote: Founded by Michelle Obama and co-chaired by a star-studded group including Tom Hanks, Janelle Monáe, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, When We All Vote aims to change the culture around voting by making it a positive, community-focused activity. The nonprofit has partnered with household brands like Lyft which will offer discounted rides to the polls during primaries, early voting, and on Election Day across the country, as well as helping riders, drivers, and team members register, prepare to vote, and understand voting ID requirements. Lime will share voter registration deadlines and offer free e-bike and e-scooter rides to polling locations on Election Day. And Amalgamated Bank will promote voter registration in branches to help inform their customers and employees about the elections and encourage them to vote.
3) Vote.org: Vote.org is known for its innovative, digital-first approach to voter registration and turnout, making it easier than ever for people to participate in elections. For instance, their partnership with Snap Inc. is groundbreaking in its approach to provide Snapchatters with a one-stop shop to check their registration status, register to vote, sign up for election reminders, and make a plan for Election Day – all without leaving the app. They’ve also partnered with brands like T Mobile, Whatsapp, OK Cupid, and Nextdoor.
4) HeadCount: HeadCount is a nonprofit that merges music and voter engagement, making it a powerful force for increasing voter registration among younger audiences. The organization partners with music festivals like Coachella, Afropunk, Bonnaroo, Global Citizen, and Lollapalooza, as well as with brands like Tony’s Chocolonely, American Eagle, and Ben & Jerry’s, to make voter registration part of the concert-going experience. Through its partnerships, HeadCount has registered hundreds of thousands of voters at live events, engaging people in a fun and laid-back atmosphere. Their collaboration with brands like Spotify amplifies this effort by reaching listeners through playlists and artist partnerships, reminding them of the power of their vote, and providing easy-to-access voter registration tools. They also recently partnered with Ariana Grande for a ‘Wicked’ contest to improve voter registration.
5) Power the Polls: Power the Polls is a nonprofit organization dedicated to recruiting a new generation of poll workers to ensure that elections run smoothly and fairly across the U.S. Launched in response to the poll worker shortage during the 2020 election, Power the Polls has since partnered with several prominent brands to amplify its mission. Companies like Starbucks, Old Navy, Patagonia, Levi’s, and Uber have joined forces with the organization to spread the word about the importance of poll workers. By engaging these brands, the organization taps into their large consumer bases to help fill critical gaps at polling stations, ensuring every vote is counted.
6) Voto Latino: Voto Latino is a powerhouse in mobilizing the Latinx community, encouraging civic engagement and voter participation through creative campaigns and brand partnerships. With collaborators like PepsiCo, Lyft, and HBO, Voto Latino reaches younger Latinx voters with messaging that is culturally relevant and accessible. These partnerships often involve bilingual content, transportation assistance to polling places, and voter registration drives that focus on community engagement. For instance, it partnered with TelevisaUnivision, the world’s leading Spanish-language media company on its Vota Conmigo campaign. Voto Latino’s work has helped dramatically increase Latinx voter turnout, making it one of the most influential voices in the fight for greater political representation.
7) League of Women Voters: Established in 1920, the League of Women Voters has a long and respected history of promoting voter education and turnout, particularly among women. In recent years, they have partnered with brands like Target, Lyft, and Microsoft to bring voter registration drives and education initiatives to a wider audience. The League’s collaborations with these companies often involve in-store events, digital campaigns, and corporate-sponsored voter guides.
8) Black Voters Matter: Black Voters Matter is a dynamic organization that focuses on increasing voter registration and turnout in Black communities, especially in the South. The nonprofit has collaborated with brands like Ben & Jerry’s, BET, and Essence to advocate for voting rights and mobilize Black voters. Their creative partnerships often involve social media campaigns, limited-edition products, and community events that center around Black political power and engagement. For instance, their partnership with Marvel hosted screenings of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ in the state of Georgia to encourage voter turnout.
9) TurboVote (Democracy Works): TurboVote, an initiative of Democracy Works, simplifies the voter registration process by allowing users to register, receive election reminders, and even request absentee ballots through their platform. The organization partners with brands like Starbucks, Snap Inc., and Twitter to integrate voter registration into everyday digital and physical spaces. Whether it’s through a cup of coffee with a “Register to Vote” message or a social media push on Snap and Twitter, TurboVote’s collaborations help remove the barriers to voting, making it as easy as ordering your favorite latte.
10) I am a Voter: "I am a Voter" is a national, nonpartisan movement that has partnered with brands such as AMC Theatres, Disney, and AT&T to promote voter engagement. The organization uses its partnerships to integrate voting messages into fashion, digital platforms, and even sportswear. With campaigns that focus on encouraging voter participation and spreading awareness about registration deadlines, “I am a Voter” creates a culture of civic responsibility by working with high-profile brands to make voting a priority in daily life.
These nonprofits have successfully leveraged partnerships with major brands to amplify their efforts in promoting voter registration, education, and turnout across the U.S., making it easier for millions of Americans to participate in democracy.