New leverage in the US presidential election

The widespread influence of celebrities can impact the decisions of American voters, especially young people, ahead of the presidential election.

Young voters will play a significant, even decisive, role in the election, particularly in swing states. (Source: CNN)

Ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, many celebrities publicly endorsed their favorite candidates. Vice President Kamala Harris received endorsements from singers Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, while former President Donald Trump garnered the support of billionaire Elon Musk and musician Kid Rock.

According to the Center for Information, Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University (USA), in the context of a very close race, the endorsement of celebrities has a certain influence on the election results.

Messages from celebrities urging support for a presidential candidate can help online or local voter groups access election information, gradually involving young people in the electoral process and civic engagement. After receiving these messages, voters need to be provided with more official information to make the most informed decision.

CIRCLE believes that young voters will play a significant, even decisive, role in the elections, particularly in battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, as well as in Senate and House races. Some elections are very close, so the participation of young voters who receive messages from celebrities could have a crucial impact.

For example, singer Taylor Swift's post supporting Harris attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to vote.gov in just 24 hours. The artist's significant influence has helped create a community where young people can exchange ideas, learn, and take action on political issues.

In recent years, as celebrities have actively contributed to the campaigns of US presidential candidates, youth turnout has increased. Therefore, it's no coincidence that the number of young voters reached record highs in 2018, 2020, and 2022. Thus, if their influence is used correctly to impact voters, celebrities can benefit the country by helping young people learn about candidates, register, and plan their voting.

The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), based at Tufts University (USA), specializes in research on issues related to youth civic engagement, particularly in elections and politics.

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