DALLAS — Election Day is getting a different soundtrack across North Texas as local DJs bring music and entertainment to 133 polling locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area Tuesday, Nov. 3.
DJs at the Polls, a national nonpartisan initiative founded by Anton Moore, aims to create a welcoming atmosphere while encouraging civic participation, particularly among younger voters and communities with historically lower turnout.
In an interview with The DeSoto Tribune, Moore explained how his experience in radio and television inspired the initiative nearly two decades ago.
“I was at the polls, and I realized it’s boring at the polls. People just come vote and leave,” Moore said.
Moore launched the initiative in Philadelphia in 2009, bringing two DJs to a polling location.
The response was immediate, with voters dancing, sharing videos on social media and requesting similar experiences in their neighborhoods.
The initiative has since expanded nationwide, with organizers reporting approximately 2,000 DJs scheduled at 5,000 polling locations across 24 states this election cycle.
Across North Texas, participating locations include Mountain Creek Library in Dallas, Harrell Budd Elementary School in southern Dallas and Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Fort Worth.
Beyond entertainment, Moore emphasized the importance of engaging young voters and helping them understand how elections influence their futures.
“It’s very important because their future depends on it,” Moore said. “The decisions that are made today will affect the future tomorrow.”
Despite the politically charged election season, Moore stressed that the initiative remains nonpartisan, welcoming voters regardless of political affiliation.
“We keep it neutral because we’re non-partisan,” Moore said.
Voter participation across Texas has already reached record levels.
More than 7.7 million Texans cast ballots during early voting, representing approximately 40.5% of registered voters, according to preliminary data from the Texas secretary of state’s office.
The total surpassed the state’s previous midterm early-voting record.
For Moore, the goal extends beyond creating an entertaining experience. He hopes the initiative encourages more residents, especially younger generations, to recognize the importance of participating in elections.
“The most important thing I want them to know is that we’re here for them to have a good time, but more importantly, to vote,” Moore said.
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