1 Vote Counts Inc. (c3)
2025 Programs
1 Vote Counts is innovative in educating high-risk communities on issues that will impact their future, advocate environmental justice, foster social and judicial equity, and increase voter registration participation through door knocking, deep dive canvassing, texting, phone calls, social media and citizen advocacy. 1 Vote Counts provides services primarily to Pennsylvania’s Dauphin County, concentrating on the City of Harrisburg and its surrounding communities. We have an active Voter Registration Program in the County Prison.
2024 Programs
1 Vote Counts educates high-risk communities, fostering growth and voter registration through grassroots efforts. Their vision envisions social change in Pennsylvania, ensuring electoral representation for all, including underserved communities and citizens returning from incarceration. Core values include removing voting obstacles, strengthening democracy through universal participation, and promoting government responsibility for all citizens, emphasizing community unity.
Mission
OUR MISSION is to educate at-risk communities, including returning citizens and, our youth on pertinent issues that will impact their future, as well as increase voters’ registration and participation through grassroots lobbying, educational seminars, and citizen advocacy. Our overall objective is to build a pipeline of young, committed BIPOC leaders to support, protect and serve the communities they live in. WE BELIEVE when all individuals are informed on issues that negatively impact their neighborhoods, they utilize the vote to make a positive change!
Budget Size: Small: Previous year budget $20,000 - $1M
States Engaged: PA
Geographic Coverage by Congressional District:
PA-10 Geographic Density Focus: Rural / Suburban / Small city (<100k)
Core Constituencies: Black, Latinx, Youth and Students (aged 17-35)
Leadership Diversity: BIPOC-led
Staff and Volunteer Balance: Staff powered - Little to no volunteers involved in executing programs
Top Priority Issues: Civic engagement, Voter participation, Voting rights/access
Lead Contact:
Michelle Mardenborough, Executive Director, she/her, michelle@1votecounts.org

