Throughout the 2020 election season, leaders across all fields and industries in the US have taken action to encourage civic engagement. As we get even closer to Nov. 3, entertainers and community leaders are continuing to use their voices to protect and strengthen American democracy.
Five days before Election Day, artists, musicians, performers, and community leaders will come together in the broadcast special Every Vote Counts: A Celebration of Democracy to focus on the impact, importance, and joy of voting for all Americans.
Produced by Live Nation, Global Citizen, and Live Animals, the nonpartisan event will air on the CBS Television Network and will be streamed via CBS All Access on Oct. 29, 2020, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The special will also be available via the following platforms: iHeartMedia radio stations and app, Apple Music, Apple TV App, Amazon Music, Twitch, NowThis, YouTube, Twitter, TIDAL, and Facebook, with more to be announced.
Alicia Keys, America Ferrera, and Kerry Washington will host the special, with appearances by Amy Schumer, Chris Rock, Cobie Smulders, Coldplay, Condoleezza Rice, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, John Kasich, Kelly Clarkson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Natalie Portman, Shaquille O'Neal, Tan France, Wilmer Valderrama, and more.
Viewers will also get to see performances by Alicia Keys, Dan + Shay, Offset, and Shawn Mendes.
Our vote is our voice. And every vote counts.
America Ferrera
Every Vote Counts aims to encourage all Americans to get to the polls in the final days of the 2020 election season, reminding viewers that a strong democracy depends on civic engagement and fair elections.
“The purpose for this special is to remind and inspire all Americans of the power of their voice and their vote," Keys said. "It’s a challenging time but we have the opportunity to continue to show up and shape the world we want to live in. In a democracy, every vote counts, so we want to encourage and uplift each other and remember we all have a say in the direction of our country because everyone’s participation matters."
She added: "Also, for many young people across the country, this is their first time voting, so we want to make sure they understand the magnitude of this time and learn why this is one of the most exciting moments in the democratic process.”
“I am honored to join Global Citizen and my co-hosts in bringing together all of these amazing artists, musicians, community leaders, and American voters to celebrate our democracy,” Ferrera said.
“Our right to vote has never been more precious or vital,” she added. “This celebration is an opportunity to uplift our country and to inspire one another to joyfully act on our most fundamental right and responsibility as Americans. Our vote is our voice. And every vote counts.”
Every Vote Counts will also feature interviews with activists, everyday voters, and voting experts who will present essential information on how to vote, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Viewers will be encouraged to create voting plans, build voting teams, and rally their families and communities to head to the polls. You can also pledge to be patient while the votes are counted and encourage friends and family to do the same, since we're unlikely to know the winner on election night.
"I am thrilled to be joining my dear friends Alicia Keys and America Ferrera to host Every Vote Counts so that we can amplify voters' voices and provide resources for all Americans as they participate in our democratic process," Washington said.
“For our democracy to work, every American's voice must be heard and every vote must be counted. We are so excited for this opportunity to celebrate democracy and our collective power when we all show up at the polls."
Every Vote Counts is Global Citizen’s latest effort to promote voter registration and turnout. Since September, we've partnered with HeadCount and dozens of artists to increase voter registration, especially among young Americans and historically disenfranchised communities.
Now, as the 2020 election season draws to a close, we're taking action to encourage Americans to exercise their civic duty, a crucial way to hold government and institutions accountable and end extreme poverty.
For more information about Every Vote Counts: A Celebration of Democracy and how to tune in on Oct. 29, click here.