Perform

Guidelines for Performers

It is illegal to attempt to influence someone’s vote at a polling location - it’s called Electioneering. It is typical for Electioneering to be illegal within 100 feet of a polling location, although local rules differ. Check THIS SITE for state-by-state guidance. This means that if you perform at a voting location, it is illegal for you to wear anything related to a specific campaign or issue (like a shirt, pin or sticker, etc.), as well as discuss candidates/issues in a positive OR negative way, or even play music that expresses a political preference. Play For the Vote does not endorse any candidate or issue, and we require all of our performers to refrain from doing so while performing in our name. Our goal is simply to increase voter turnout. If you are asked to leave or move by official staff at a polling location, it is likely that you can simply move to a new location 100 feet from the entrance, and be free to play. Please check local rules to confirm the appropriate distance.
 You can contact your local election office ahead of time if you have any questions about local regulations.

Look for a performance spot out of the way of foot and car traffic where you will not be bothered, like a grassy area. You don’t need a permit to perform in public, as long as you’re not blocking streets, sidewalks, a building’s entrance/exit, or using amplification. Busking is allowed wherever other forms of free speech are not prohibited.  Play For the Vote is unfortunately not able to assist in on-site consultation, but you are encouraged to do a site visit ahead of Election Day, if possible. If you don’t want to secure a permit for your performance, just ensure you aren’t breaking standard busking rules.

You will most likely be performing outside, so plan accordingly with the local weather.

PFTV Performers are not allowed to solicit or accept monetary tips or other donations.

PFTV Performers cannot perform material with profane or obscene content, in addition to avoiding political content. Our goal is to bring people together, so please avoid presenting material that might be offensive.

Musical tastes vary, so try to appeal to a wide variety of listeners who will be present to vote. If you encounter hostility from voters who ask that you stop, please respect their wishes. Voters are the people that we’re serving, so if they want you to stop performing, then silence is how we can serve them in that moment. Just think of it as an impromptu cover of John Cage’s 4’33”.

Performers need to display a sign that includes #PlayForTheVote and/or www.PlayForTheVote.com, in order to identify yourself with our organization. You can download our graphic HERE to print at home, or feel free to make your own!