Washington: Pop superstar Taylor Swift’s recent endorsement of Kamala Harris has energized the vice president’s campaign, particularly among young voters. As Harris and Donald Trump race toward the November 5 election, Swift’s massive social media following could play a key role in boosting voter registration among the youth.
With voter registrations down in many states, Harris’s team sees Swift’s influence as a potential game-changer. Her endorsement, posted on Instagram, garnered over 10 million likes and led to a surge in visits to the vote.gov website, which received over 400,000 visitors after Swift shared a custom URL.
The Power of Celebrity Endorsements
While celebrity endorsements have a mixed track record, Swift’s backing of Harris could appeal to younger demographics. In the 2020 election, young voters significantly helped Joe Biden defeat Trump. However, recent reports suggest that voter registration among the 18-29 age group has declined in 36 states.
A Morning Consult poll revealed that a majority of Swift’s fans lean Democratic, which could favor Harris. Her endorsement of Harris, whom she called a “fighter for the causes” she believes in, was shared with her 284 million followers on Instagram, creating a viral moment.
Swift’s Impact on Youth Voter Turnout
Organizations like Voters of Tomorrow and MoveOn.org are already mobilizing around Swift’s endorsement, planning youth-targeted campaigns and selling Swift-inspired merchandise to drive enthusiasm for Harris. Friendship bracelets and Swift-themed campaign T-shirts are among the efforts to link Harris with Swift’s fanbase.
While Trump dismissed Swift’s endorsement, calling himself “not a Taylor fan,” the Harris campaign is hoping that her star power will translate into more voter registrations and, ultimately, votes.
