Celebrities' Voices: A Powerful Force in Elections?

Celebrities have long been a crucial component in the world of politics. From iconic endorsements to powerful speeches, their influence on the election season is undeniable. But do their voices really matter? A new study by Harvard University's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation explores the role of celebrities in promoting civic participation. The study examined data from celebrity initiatives in the 2018, 2020, and 2022 election cycles and found that celebrities do play an influential role in promoting civic engagement. What if we told you that, despite their claims, people are actually influenced by celebrity voices when it comes to politics? According to the Harvard study, "celebrities are uniquely positioned to empower everyday Americans to use their voices and exercise their civic rights. " In fact, the study found that when celebrities promote calls to action, nonprofits report higher rates of online voter registration and poll worker sign-ups. But what about the argument that celebrities are just trying to further their own interests? Can they really be considered impartial voices in the election process? Well, it seems that many celebrities are more interested in empowering the American people than in promoting a particular candidate or party. Take Kerry Washington, for example, who launched Influence Change, an organization that recruits fellow artists to promote civic engagement. Washington believes that "democracies work best when everyone votes" and that artists have a unique opportunity to encourage voters.But what about the younger generation? Can celebrities really make a difference when it comes to getting young people to vote? The answer is a resounding yes. According to the study, celebrities have a unique ability to connect with younger generations, and their control of social media positions them as a centralized source of information. For instance, British pop star Charli XCX boosted Kamala Harris' Gen Z appeal with a single tweet, while 23-year-old online streamer Adin Ross interviewed Donald Trump on the social platform Kick. It seems that celebrities have the power to not only mobilize, but also inspire young people to make their voices heard. But what's the most effective way for celebrities to promote civic engagement? According to the study, it's all about creating a culture around participation. By making it fun, making it something to be proud of, and making it something people should care about, celebrities can have a profound impact on voter turnout. Take Ariana Grande, for example, who promoted voter registration in 2019 by setting up booths at her concerts during her "Sweetener" world tour. Or Kylie Jenner, who posted on Instagram a link to register to vote, resulting in a 1,500% increase in traffic compared to the day prior. What might be missing from this study is an examination of the potential drawbacks of celebrity endorsements. Can they really remain impartial in an increasingly polarized political landscape? Do they have the potential to further divide the electorate rather than unite it? These are questions worth asking.