Protecting Democracy
Where Culture Meets Civic Power
At BlackCount, we believe democracy works best when it is accessible, protected, and trusted by everyone. Our Election Protection program is a year-round, nonpartisan initiative designed to ensure that every eligible voter can safely and confidently participate in our elections.
Through community-based engagement, cultural activation, and strategic partnerships, we work to remove barriers to voting, defend against voter suppression, and strengthen public trust in the democratic process.
Mission
Our Election Protection program exists to:
• Ensure safe, fair, and accessible elections in historically underserved communities
• Educate voters on their rights and how to navigate the voting process
• Recruit and train community members to serve as nonpartisan election protection volunteers
• Respond to real-time issues that may interfere with voter access or participation
We meet people where they are by integrating civic engagement into trusted cultural spaces such as concerts, community events, schools, and neighborhood gatherings.
Our Approach
Approach I
Voter Education & Empowerment
We provide clear, accurate, and accessible information so voters understand:
• How to register and check their voter status
• Where and how to vote
• What their rights are at the polls
• What to do if they encounter challenges or intimidation
This includes “Know Your Rights” campaigns, workshops, and digital outreach.
Approach II
Community-Based Election Protection
We recruit, train, and deploy volunteers to serve as:
• Poll monitors
• Nonpartisan challengers
• Community ambassadors
These individuals are equipped to observe, report, and help resolve issues while ensuring voters feel safe and supported.
Approach III
Cultural Organizing/ Civic Engagement
BlackCount uniquely integrates election protection into cultural spaces by:
• Hosting voter engagement activations at concerts, festivals, and community events
• Partnering with artists, venues, and influencers to reach broader audiences
• Utilizing QR codes and digital tools for real-time voter engagement
This model allows us to reach thousands of voters in environments where trust and participation are already strong.
Approach IV
Rapid Response & Democracy Defense
We prepare communities to respond to emerging threats by:
• Monitoring potential voter suppression or intimidation
• Providing real-time support and reporting mechanisms
• Collaborating with local and national partners to escalate and resolve issues
Our work is grounded in ensuring that all voters, regardless of background, can participate without fear or interference.
Alignment with National Democracy Protection Efforts
BlackCount’s Election Protection work aligns with leading national efforts to strengthen democracy, including priorities such as:
• Defense of Civil Society: Supporting communities and institutions that protect voter rights and participation
• Protection of Elections: Advancing voter-centered, secure, and inclusive election systems
• Accountability & Public Awareness: Educating communities on the importance of safeguarding democratic norms
Our culturally grounded, community-first model strengthens these efforts by expanding reach and deepening engagement in communities that are often underrepresented.
Impact & Reach
Through our Election Protection and civic engagement efforts, BlackCount has:
• Engaged tens of thousands of community members through cultural events and outreach
• Supported voter registration, status checks, and ballot education initiatives
• Built trusted relationships in communities that are often overlooked in traditional civic engagement strategies
Our partnership with major cultural venues, including the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, has demonstrated the power of meeting voters where they are.
Get Involved
We are building a movement of community leaders, volunteers, and partners committed to protecting democracy.
You can:
• Volunteer as an Election Protection ambassador
• Partner with us for community events and activations
• Support our work through funding and sponsorship
Together, we can ensure that every voice is heard and every vote is protected.
