Michelle Obama Partners With BLK Dating App to Launch Voting Initiative

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, BLK, a dating and lifestyle app for Black Singles, is launching their in-app Election Center — a digital hub designed to shift the culture of voting and politics in the Black community, amplify voices of Black voters and drive Black voter registration. The initiative was created in partnership with Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote — a leading national, nonpartisan initiative with a goal to increase participation in each and every election by helping to close the race and age gap.

Black Americans Are Still Less Engaged with Elections

For the past 154 years, Black Americans have faced major disparities and inequalities in accessing the right to vote. As a result, Black Americans have been less informed and engaged in both local and national elections, political initiatives, and major legislation.

BLK recently conducted a survey of its members to understand the voting habits, behaviors, and preferences of Black singles. 

• Of the respondents, 80% of users are currently registered to vote. 
  • Of those not registered to vote, 42% plan to register before the midterm elections.
• However, this doesn’t impact dating, with 70% of users stating that they will date someone who intentionally chooses not to vote. 
• When asked which political beliefs would be deal breakers for a potential partner, the top three responses are
  • Trump Supporter (38%),
  • Pro-Life (34%), and
  • Anti-Universal Healthcare and Anti-LGBTQ (tied at 10%).
• Lastly, 52% of registered voters do NOT know the date of the 2022 Midterm Election. This number jumps to 66% for Gen Z (18-24) registered voters.

BLK Election Center

The BLK Election Center will serve as a digital hub to empower Black singles to take action through voting – advocating for their rights and ensuring their voices are heard and amplified. Created in partnership with When We All Vote, Michelle Obama’s national initiative to drive voter registrations throughout the United States — the Election Center takes users on a journey of engagement, education and empowerment. Upon opening the app, users will be prompted to “Share Your Voice” or “Shift the Culture.” When users select “Share Your Voice” they will be asked to choose policy issues of importance such as “gun violence,” “affordable housing” or “universal healthcare” which will then be displayed on their profile along with a “When We All Vote” sticker, allowing users to match with others that share the same concern over policy issues. Upon sharing feedback, users will then be encouraged to “Shift the Culture” by registering to vote via the “BLK x When We All Vote” voter registration portal.

To register to vote or to check your voter registration status via BLK’s Election Center, please visit https://weall.vote/blk.