1 Vote Counts Inc. (c3)
Organization Description
At 1 Vote Counts we are committed to educating the most vulnerable, at risk, low propensity voters. We believe everyone is valuable and their contribution to the electoral process is critical. We focus on engaging 18-35 year olds who believe neither their vote nor their voice counts. Our reach includes public and charter school students, correctional facilities, transitional facilities, returning citizens, and underserved communities
2026 Programs
At 1 Vote Counts we educate incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and others living in at-risk communities about voting rights and how civic engagement and the electoral process can positively impact neighborhoods and change the trajectory of a community, city and state. Our long term goal is to create a pipeline of BIPOC community leaders who become committed to the electoral process and use it to demand positive change. 1 Vote Counts conducts voter registration inside and outside of correctional facilities, holds educational seminars, and provides transportation to the polls by partnering with the Capital Area Transit System and local partnerships on election days. We have a clear eyed vision and strategic plan that centers voting advocacy on a neglected, overlooked demographic. Our goal is to break harmful, suppressive cycles of political neglect through education and building community partnerships that are based on mutual respect and sincerity.
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, Multi-racial (including white), Youth and Students (aged 17-35)
Leadership Diversity: BIPOC-led, Women-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
Last Updated: January 14, 2026
