Reporters went to polling places on Sacramento State's campus and the surrounding areas to see what wait times were like and to talk to voters about their experience in this year's election

As voters cast their ballots, the Mana Music Quartet and Puamana performed under a canopy tent on the lawn fronting the Mission Memorial Building.

The performances are part of a line-up for “Play for the Vote,” an effort organized by founder and director Mike Block where musicians are performing at in-person voting locations today to increase voter turnout in the general election and create a positive experience.

In the Banks Public Library parking lot, more than 100 feet from the one of Washington County's 21 ballot drop boxes, Lauren Sheehan is strumming a guitar. She's there as a volunteer for the "Play For The Vote" organization, a nonpartisan group that aims to increase voter turnout with the help of music.

Four weeks ago, cello alum Mike Block had a brainstorm. After watching the first presidential debate, he’d been thinking about how stressful the prospect of the election—and even the process of voting—was turning out to be.

Play For The Vote is a musician-run initiative encouraging musicians across the United States to perform on Election Day, with the goal of increasing voter turnout by providing a more positive voter experience. Launched just this month, the organization has already signed up hundreds of musicians in over 40 states.

Music a Unifying Note During Voting Season

Musicians to serenade voters at polling locations around the country to create a positive, unifying experience and ease voters' anxiety generated by a campaign season that spewed misinformation and stoked divisions, fear and hate.

“Play for the Vote,” a nonpartisan effort by Boston cellist Mike Block that has organized musicians to play for voters while they wait to cast their ballots. Block came up with the idea while practicing his instrument the morning after the chaotic first presidential debate.

Atlanta musician joins nationwide effort to make Election Day a positive experience for voters

“Strolling along streets on the sunny Saturday afternoon of October 24 in Somerville, one could find it natural to slow down and watch the surroundings – paths covered with yellow and red leaves, creatively decorated houses and yards, festive storefront. And the long line stretching from the entrance of Somerville City Hall to the square’s back was in harmonious order.”

Musicians making an effort to spread positivity at the polls

Bloomington resident Hilary Glen took full advantage of Thursday’s beautiful weather to treat early voters to her musical prowess, while highlighting an election-related campaign being spearheaded by musicians.

New album in hand, cellist Mike Block rallies musicians to play at the polls

Launched a week after the first presidential debate, his ‘Play for the Vote’ has hundreds of sign-ups

Cellist Mike Block taking his music to the polls