Pop-up concerts try to soothe anxious voters as U.S. goes to polls

Phoenix DJ brings music and dance to soothe Election Day nerves in Arizona, uniting voters through positivity and lightness.

An enthusiastic DJ blared out pop tracks on Tuesday (November 5, 2024), urging voters to bop along with dancers in multi-coloured sequined shorts – one small effort outside an Arizona polling station to soothe Election Day nerves running high across the United States.

“I definitely think there’s a lot of anxiety around the election,” said Elyssa Bustamante, who was producing the event in the key swing state’s largest city, Phoenix, along with organization Joy to the Polls.

“Dancing definitely takes away the stress,” she told AFP.

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Clad in all pink at her stage in Phoenix’s central park, the 36-year-old Ms. Bustamante called out frequent reminders to young people from the nearby university.

“Polls close at 7.00 p.m., make sure you get your vote in!” she shouted.

Very few people leaving the nearby voting location stopped to enjoy the impromptu concert.