Taylor Swift helped over 337,000 people visit vote.gov by endorsing Kamala Harris
On a Tuesday, Taylor Swift took to Instagram to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the White House, a move that brought 337,826 users to visit vote.gov. This spike in traffic is a clear indication of the potential impact of Swift’s public support on the upcoming election in November. Vote.gov, a website managed by the General Services Administration in collaboration with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, provides valuable information on voter registration and casting ballots, directing users to state-specific portals for registration.
In her Instagram post following the presidential debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump, Swift expressed her intention to vote for Harris and Gov. Tim Walz, urging her fans to conduct their own research and have their voices heard in the upcoming election. She emphasized the importance of voter registration, particularly for first-time voters, and highlighted the benefits of early voting.
A spokesperson for the General Services Administration reported that 337,826 users had visited vote.gov through Swift’s link within a day, emphasizing that new voters must complete the registration process on their state’s designated website.
Swift’s endorsement of Harris was met with swift approval from the Harris campaign, which capitalized on the support by selling Harris-Walz friendship bracelets, a popular accessory worn by Swift fans attending her Eras Tour. The bracelets quickly sold out, demonstrating the influence and reach of the pop star’s endorsement.
Swift has a history of mobilizing her fan base to register to vote. In 2023, her endorsement of voter registration on vote.org prompted over 35,000 people to register. Her initial foray into politics occurred in 2018 when she endorsed Democratic candidate Phil Bredesen for Senate in Tennessee, marking a shift in her approach to publicizing her political views.
Explaining her endorsement of Harris, Swift praised the vice president for her advocacy for causes and rights that align with her beliefs, referring to her as a “steady-handed, gifted leader.” Swift signed her post as “Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady,” in response to remarks made by Senator JD Vance questioning the influence of celebrities on politics.
However, Vance expressed skepticism regarding Swift’s impact, suggesting that her endorsement may not significantly sway public opinion due to her wealth and perceived detachment from the concerns of most Americans. Despite differing views on the impact of celebrity endorsements in politics, Swift’s vocal support for Harris underscores the evolving role of celebrities in shaping public discourse and influencing voter engagement.
Overall, Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the White House has not only generated significant attention but also highlighted the potential for celebrities to leverage their platforms to drive voter participation and engagement in the political process.
