Election Day. A day, especially in 2020, many people seemed to simultaneously look forward to and dread. Personally, I was conflicted about how I felt about the day. Sometimes I ask myself how I can effect change and if my single contribution really matters. We’re continuously told that every vote counts, but sometimes it’s hard to see the bigger picture. Experts told us that the 2020 presidential election would be the most important election of our time. I certainly didn’t want to be passive about it, but I also didn’t know how I could make a difference in the world around me or how I could contribute to my community, especially during a pandemic. That’s why when I heard about Play for the Vote, I was immediately intrigued by its mission and wanted to know how I could get involved.
I learned about the Play for the Vote initiative through Facebook—although many people find social media to be taxing or annoying, I am constantly surprised by what I learn and find. Play for the Vote is the brainchild of professional cellist Mike Block. The goal of the initiative is to increase voter turnout by providing a positive experience with live music at polling locations. A simple idea with a potentially monumental impact.
As a musician living through a pandemic, performances have been few and far between. Play for the Vote would be a tangible way to use my music for an important cause. I had read countless news articles and social media posts that spoke of the general public’s dread of going out to vote in such uncertain times. Many friends had also expressed heightened levels of anxiety over the pending election results. I just knew that sharing live music at the polls could have a positive influence on people’s voting experience, not only in 2020, but also in future elections. Music is also proven to help lessen stress and anxiety, so all the more reason for me to get involved. I wanted to be a part of something positive and helpful to encourage people to step out and vote.
When Election Day came, it was a brisk 38 degrees as I loaded my harp into the car at 6 a.m. I purposefully chose the 7 to 9 a.m. performance slot, as it was peak voting time, and I wanted to “surprise” the sleepy voters with some peaceful harp music. They did wake up early before work, after all, to perform such an important task. Admittedly, I am not a morning person, so add sleep-deprivation to the cold temps, and I was not a happy camper. But, I donned my fingerless gloves, a beanie, and some fleece leggings under my dress pants, and was ready to greet the day.
As I loaded in and set up at my assigned polling location, I was met by many curious stares. Fortunately, those questioning expressions soon grew to smiles as I began to play. Remembering that the only factor tying these strangers together was the voting process, I chose to perform a wide variety of genres to appeal to more people. The folks at my polling location heard some country classics, modern pop tunes, classical favorites, and more.
I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people who thanked me for being there or came up to tell me that the music enhanced their voting experience. I later saw a post on social media that read, “There’s a lady playing a harp [at my polling location]. So beautiful and soothing. Just what I needed to hear this morning. “These comments affirmed that I was doing something worthwhile and reminded me of something I had forgotten—music really is a universal language that can cross barriers and bring people together. I realized after so much time spent apart in quarantine, the election was a way for people to connect to each other for the first time in a long while. The opportunity to bring humanity and beauty to what can feel like a disconnected process of pressing buttons on a ballot was truly special.
The Play for the Vote initiative was thrown together in about five weeks. Amazingly enough, over 1,000 musicians in 48 states participated. There were violinists, cellists, harpists, you name it. It was neat to see a variety of musicians participate, from young children to symphony principals. I hope that Play for the Vote contributed to increased voter turnout this year, though I may never know what the definitive effect was. What I do know made a difference was that I got involved in my community, in something larger than myself, and after feeling so disconnected for so long, it felt deeply rewarding to connect with and help people. Of course, there is also the added bonus that the U.S. voter turnout was its highest in over 100 years at approximately 65 percent according to the Washington Post. Additionally, my state of Tennessee hit a new record for voter turnout (according to The Tennessean)!
Ultimately, waking up in the wee hours of the morning and playing in the freezing cold was worth it. Apart from voting, I felt it was a calling of civic duty to be a part of this initiative. I look forward to the inevitable growth of this project in helping to re-associate positivity with the voting process. As I watched the election results teeter between 50.1 and 49.9 percent in many states, I’m also reminded that every vote does count. Furthermore, I’m reminded that every little action we do for our community counts too. And when you combine that with others’ efforts nationwide, you really can effect change. •
