DJs at the Polls, a nationwide nonpartisan initiative, will bring local DJs to more than 200 polling locations across the Houston area on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Organizers say the goal is to add music at the polls and encourage voter turnout.
Michael Sanni, known as DJ GQ Mike, said he joined because he wanted to combine his interest in music with civic engagement. Sanni has been a DJ for 20 years, performing at weddings, anniversaries and other celebrations. He said he plans to play Afrobeat, reggae, Latin music, R&B and Motown to create an upbeat atmosphere for voters. He also said he has been promoting Election Day on social media and that he voted during early voting.
According to the story, the idea behind the program dates back to 2009, when founder and co-director Anton Moore wanted to make voting more welcoming. Moore, who previously worked in music and media, began bringing DJs to polling locations for that purpose.