Celebrities have long been a fixture in American politics, using their star power to endorse candidates, raise awareness about important issues, and encourage civic engagement. From former President Donald Trump bringing out Hulk Hogan and Kid Rock to the Republican National Convention to Vice President Kamala Harris receiving support from the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, George Clooney, and Jennifer Aniston, celebrities have played a significant role in shaping the political landscape.
But do these celebrity endorsements actually make a difference? According to a new study by Harvard University’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the answer is a resounding yes. The study, shared exclusively with CNN, found that celebrities play a crucial role in promoting civic participation and encouraging Americans to exercise their right to vote.
While some may argue that people claim they aren’t influenced by celebrity voices when it comes to politics, the Harvard study suggests otherwise. When celebrities promote calls to action, nonprofits report higher rates of online voter registration and poll worker sign-ups. This highlights the significant impact that celebrities can have in mobilizing the public and driving engagement in the democratic process.
The study focused on nonpartisan civic engagement efforts, emphasizing the role of celebrities in educating, mobilizing, and encouraging Americans to register to vote. Ashley Spillane, the study’s author and co-founder of the Civic Responsibility Project, emphasized the importance of celebrities in creating a culture of participation and making civic engagement fun and accessible for all.
One key finding of the study is the unique ability of celebrities to connect with younger generations, who often face barriers to participation due to a lack of information about the voting process. With Gen Z and Millennials set to comprise the largest voting block in the US by 2028, celebrities play a crucial role in reaching these demographics through social media and other platforms.
The power of social media in driving voter engagement cannot be understated. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Kylie Jenner have used their platforms to promote voter registration and encourage their followers to participate in the electoral process. Swift’s Instagram post in 2018 led to a record-breaking day of new voter registrations, while Jenner’s post in 2020 resulted in a significant increase in traffic to the voter registration website.
The study also highlighted the impact of celebrity-led initiatives, such as Billie Eilish’s recruitment of poll workers for Power the Polls and Trevor Noah’s calls to action on his show. These efforts have proven to be effective in mobilizing thousands of volunteers and increasing voter turnout.
Influence Change, a campaign launched by actress and activist Kerry Washington, has been instrumental in recruiting celebrities to promote civic engagement and voter participation. Washington emphasized the importance of using her platform to remind people of their political power and encourage them to take an active role in democracy.
Overall, the Harvard study underscores the significant influence that celebrities have in driving civic engagement and promoting voter participation. By leveraging their reach and influence, celebrities can inspire millions of Americans to make their voices heard at the ballot box. As Washington aptly put it, “Democracies work best when everyone votes,” and celebrities have a unique opportunity to encourage and empower voters to participate in the democratic process.
