At a music festival one typically expects elaborate performances, wild dancing and several days of good memories. Social change is not typically expected. But, that’s exactly what Headcount, a non-partisan group committed to promoting civic participation, and BOBO’s, a Boulder-based oat bar brand, look to once again bring to this year’s Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, Illinois (May 26th-28th).
The goal is to bring attention to local and municipal election. While 60% of registered voters turned out in the 2016 presidential election, including half of all Americans between the ages of 18-29, the numbers were far less for all other elections. It is estimated that 5% or less of Americans aged 29 and under showed up for national local elections.
The two organizations will be informing festival-goers of when their next local elections will be held. They will also be encouraging attendees to register for Turbo Vote, an alert system that notifies voters of upcoming elections. Last, attendees will be asked to pose with a sign that reads “#VoteLocal” and share the photo on social media. In exchange, they will be given BOBO’s oat bars.
Headcount’s Executive Director, Andy Bernstein, was quoted “Local elections are starting to get more attention than ever, but if they don’t happen in November most people don’t know when they are,” adding “By offering convenient text alerts, some fun photos, and handing out free BOBO’s bars, we’re literally making it a treat to be a local voter.”
This year’s Summer Camp lineup, which brings in festival favorites Pretty Lights LIVE, Run The Jewels, Primus, Trey Anastasio Band, Zeds Dead, EOTO, The Floozies, Gramatik, The Disco Biscuits and as always, 3 nights of moe. and Umphrey’s McGee, among other artists, make weekend sure to be packed with loads of fun.
The festival grounds will also feature a “Make a Difference” area, with non-profit organizations interacting with attendees to spread positive social change. There will also be a “Treasure Hunt,” which entails visiting the organizations and other various tasks, and if completed, grants access to a private performance by the Everyone Orchestra.
Since 2004, Headcount has been successful in registering nearly 500,000 voters. Help continue their success by keeping an eye out for them at Summer Camp 2017.
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