The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has announced the launch of the 2024 ASCAP Citizen campaign. In collaboration with the nonpartisan voter registration organization HeadCount, ASCAP Citizen aims to motivate ASCAP’s over one million members and their communities to participate in this year’s elections.
With the ongoing congressional debate on artificial intelligence regulation, the 2024 campaign emphasizes voting for ASCAP members, highlighting how policy decisions directly impact music creators’ livelihoods. The campaign starts today, July 9, and runs through Election Day on Nov. 5.
The initiative begins with a video featuring ASCAP members Leon Thomas, Madison Love, Jimmy Jam, Marcus Miller, and others. The video explains why it is crucial for music creators to engage in the democratic process and sends a message to policymakers that music creators vote.
ASCAP’s social media channels will feature educational content and personal messages from members across various genres about the importance of voting. The campaign will also amplify “get out the vote” messages from top ASCAP creators, including Olivia Rodrigo, Alicia Keys, and Kehlani.
“Whether it is protecting creators’ rights through copyright law or new artificial intelligence regulations, policy directly impacts our members’ livelihoods. It’s vital for music creators to stay engaged with democracy and that starts with voting,” explained ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. “It’s time to show elected officials that they should listen to more than just our members’ songs, because music creators vote.”
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with ASCAP to empower music creators and their communities to vote in the upcoming elections. ASCAP Citizen embraces music’s power to bring people together – and music creators’ power as advocates for making our voices heard,” said Lucille Wenegieme, Executive Director of HeadCount.
For the third consecutive election year, ASCAP is an official partner of National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17. The ASCAP Citizen campaign will focus on grassroots voter registration mobilization throughout the summer and fall, leading up to Election Day, including early voting efforts for Vote Early Day on Oct. 29.
To register to vote, verify or update voter registration status, and view local ballots, visit www.headcount.org/ascap. More information about ASCAP Citizen can be found at www.ascap.com/citizen.