2,000 DJs deployed at U.S. polling places to boost turnout

Voters in Akron and Cleveland will find music playing at 66 local polling sites on Tuesday, November 3. The event is part of a national initiative by the nonprofit DJs at the Polls, which aims to increase voter participation by adding entertainment to the ballot process. The organization plans to place 2,000 DJs at 5,000 polling locations in 24 states for the 2026 midterms.

Anton Moore founded the group in 2009 to transform voting from a solitary task into a community activity. Moore stated that the traditional voting process often feels dull to participants. He observed that adding a DJ to the scene encouraged people to dance and socialize, creating a more positive atmosphere for casting ballots.

The organization targets areas with historically low voter turnout. Moore cited randomized controlled trials that indicate their presence can increase the number of people who vote. He noted that hearing a familiar song can improve a voter's mood and alter their mindset, even if they arrived at the polls with a negative outlook.

The DJs are trained to play popular neighborhood favorites. They maintain control over their set lists but are prohibited from playing songs with explicit lyrics. The nonprofit maintains a nonpartisan stance. Its DJs do not endorse specific political parties or candidates and do not instruct voters on how to cast their ballots.

The group has expanded significantly since its launch. It operated at a single polling location in Philadelphia in its first year. By 2026, it has grown to cover 5,000 sites across the nation. This growth reflects the organization's strategy of deploying resources to communities that have not traditionally participated heavily in elections.

DJs at the Polls has not released the complete list of sites in the Cleveland and Akron areas for security reasons. However, it confirmed two specific locations and times for Tuesday. A DJ will be present at the Boys and Girls Clubs on Broadway Avenue in Cleveland from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Another DJ will operate at the Cleveland Heights Community Center from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.