About Us

Rock the Vote is the most trusted and effective 501c3 nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to building the political power of young people.

Censorship is UnAmerican by Josh Gosfield

Artist Credit: Josh Gosfield

OUR ROOTS

Empowering Young People

In 1990, music executives founded Rock the Vote in response to the censorship of hip-hop and rap artists. Our first partnership, with MTV, promoted the message that “Censorship is Un-American” and activated millions of young people across the country to exercise their rights and represent their interests. For over thirty years, we have continuously adapted to the changing landscapes of media, technology and culture to breakthrough and empower each new generation.

years

tech partners

registered

33

years

1100

tech partners

14 M

registered

Today

We are drawing on our decades of experience to deploy the most effective and impactful messages, tactics, and technology to uplift and empower the largest, most diverse generation in U.S. history. We do this while also pioneering innovative ways to make democratic participation more accessible and defending young people’s right to vote.

81%

2016 voter turnout

60%

first-time voters

7 M

visitors

3.5 M

subscribers

%

2020 voter turnout

%

first-time voters

visitors

subscribers

A Generation Without Representation

In 2024, Millennials and Generation Z will comprise 44% of American voters

Young voters are new voters and as new voters they face unique obstacles to voting that result in turnout that is historically 20 to 30 points below older voters. This discrepancy is even greater in midterms, state and local elections. As a result, our democracy continuously fails to represent youth, generation after generation.

As young voters overcome these challenges to break turnout records as they did in 2018 and 2020, they’ve become the target of voter suppression efforts. From the rise of voter ID laws to intensified efforts to remove polling sites from college campuses, young people must navigate obstacles designed to keep them from making their voices heard.

We know what works.

The challenges young voters face as new voters are not insurmountable. Our efforts focus on research-driven programs and innovative solutions to right the system and ensure each youth generation is represented in our democracy.

To learn more about Rock the Vote’s work to empower young people, view our Impact Reports:

Meet the Team

Carolyn DeWitt

Carolyn DeWitt

President & Executive Director

Deirdre Benavides

Deirdre Benavides

Associate Manager of Digital Engagement

Teja Foster

Teja Foster

Social Media Director

Chris Palumbo

Chris Palumbo

Director of Corporate Partnerships

David Pruter

David Pruter

Digital Ninja

Katie Romero

Katie Romero

Digital Content Coordinator

Melissa Wyatt

Melissa Wyatt

Director of Civic Technology and Policy

Board of Directors

Amanda Brown Lierman

Amanda Brown Lierman

Chair

Lara Bergthold

Lara Bergthold

Secretary

Jessica Reeves

Jessica Reeves

Treasurer

Russell Glass

Russell Glass

Director

Wayne Jordan

Wayne Jordan

Director

Mũthoni Wambu Kraal

Mũthoni Wambu Kraal

Director

DeRay McKesson

DeRay McKesson

Director

Jesse Moore

Jesse Moore

Director

Michael Skolnik

Michael Skolnik

Director

Jeff Ayeroff

Jeff Ayeroff

Founder & Director Emeritus