10 minute read
Can Celebrities Drive Youth to the Polls?
How “political star power” has transformed voting as we know it.
BY RIANE LUMER
Following superstar Harry Styles’ 15–show run at Madison Square Garden, he continued his “Love On Tour” campaign by taking to a Texas stage. One key difference? He had an exceptional fan in his Austin audience: Beto O’Rourke— the Democratic Texas gubernatorial candidate running against incumbent Republican Greg Abbott. At the sold–out show, Styles flashed his brown and black guitar advertising a “Beto for Texas” sticker. He motioned toward the logo as the endorsement shone on the jumbotron, panning to reveal O’Rourke beaming in attendance. The young crowd shook the stadium in applause at the singer’s political statement.
Later that evening, Styles and O’Rourke posed for a picture together. It broke the internet. Fans erupted into a frenzy, posting on Twitter with comments such as, “Lol name a more iconic duo I’ll wait.”
This isn’t the first time that the “As It Was” singer has revealed his election preferences. During the 2020 presidential campaign, Styles demonstrated his support for now–President Joe Biden, retweeting a campaign video and commenting, “If I could vote in America, I’d vote with kindness.”
And as time continues, influencers have infiltrated political scenes more and more. Celebrity endorsement has never been easier. Through a quick story post, users can offer unsolicited political opinions to millions of followers. The 2020 presidential election amassed unparalleled input from celebrities, setting a precedent for upcoming elections.
But the question remains: Do these eye–catching endorsements actually shape election results, and how much power do these stars truly have over voting behaviors?
The One Direction alum is far from the first to engage in such conversation with fans. Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish are some of the numerous celebrities capitalizing on their stardom to prime electoral involvement. For decades, young voter turnout was—and still is—abysmal, with historically lower rates than older age groups; despite an increase in their numbers over the years, only half of eligible voters below the age of 30 participated in 2020’s presidential election. To expand the longevity of voting, encouragement is essential. The earlier the practice begins, the more likely it is that voting will become a habit among diverse populations.
Both Swift and Eilish joined Styles in teaming up with HeadCount, the nonpartisan organization spearheading campaigns to promote young democratic participation. Since the 2020 election, over eight million people have joined the ranks of voting eligibility. “Having the support of individuals like Harry Styles has a tremendous impact,” HeadCount Co–Founder and Executive Director Andy Bernstein says. Such a sizable increase can generate pivotal effects in the midterm elections—and, by extension, policy.
Taylor Swift—who boasts 228 million followers on Instagram and countless sold–out concerts—routinely speaks on her alignments with social issues: fighting for gender equality, supporting LGBTQ rights, and combating racism. In her initial foray into politics, she endorsed Democratic candidates for the 2018 midterm elections while calling on young fans to amplify their voices on social issues. Over the span of 48 hours after her endorsement, more than 160,000 people (predominantly aged 18 to 29) registered to vote, drawing the most traffic to Vote.org since National Voter Registration Day. In a statement, the nonprofit said that “Taylor’s post has helped bring out young voters.”
Similarly, Billie Eilish uses her fame for causes including climate change activism, racial justice, and voting and pro–choice rights. She makes it a priority to keep her fans in the loop regarding contentious matters. Bernstein says that Eilish has been an avid advocate for voting and a “supporter of HeadCount” even before she became eligible to
Jojo Buccini
vote. Now, Eilish is doubling down on the political initiative she began in 2020, even going so far as to offer a sweepstakes prize for a lucky voter to attend her concerts abroad—signed merch and flights included. Evidently, Eilish is ready to commit this mission as part of her brand.
On tour, Eilish frequently takes to the mic during her track “all the good girls go to hell” to express her rage regarding the looming climate crisis. “I’m working with HeadCount to encourage everyone to show up at the polls and use their voice during these midterm elections,” Eilish says in an interview with Seventeen. “With what is going on in our country, we need to get out to the polls and vote for what we believe in. Not showing up is not an option.”
As Styles croons, it’s a sign of the times. While America’s political divide becomes more polarized, people look to their idols for guidance. So when worldwide singing sensations encourage their fans to become more politically engaged, who’s going to say no?
Ultimately, in certain cases, celebrity political engagement is influential in the concerted push for voter participation. Although there’s a lack of research documenting a causal relationship between celebrity authority and voter turnout, this isn’t to say that the music industry’s influence in political consciousness is futile. By attracting attention to specific candidates as well as rallying young fans to vote, starstruck audiences may feel more inclined to enact their civic duty now and in the future.
Indeed, celebrities with young followings are crucial in reshaping our country. With the attention of millions at their fingertips, all influencers should be using their platforms to evoke positive change.
Election Day is weeks away. Greater visibility for social injustice is essential— because there’s too much at stake on the ballot.
Once again, as Styles says, we are not simply living in a daydream. k NOVEMBER 2022 35
Take It to the Streets What to Do in Philly This Month
This month: Film festivals. Battles of the bands. The absolute domination of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Going to college in Philly, we’re so often bombarded—on social media and IRL—with seemingly endless options for how to spend our free time. So I’m delighted to announce that Street has done the hard part for you: We’ve rounded up what we think are the can’t–miss events for the month (and you can expect more of these in the months to come) in one convenient place. If I’ve done my job right, there’ll be something in here for every one of our readers, no matter what you like to do with your weekends.
Walden Green
All Month: 76ers Season
Now this is a sports franchise that I can get behind. Lots of people don’t understand that truly embracing the doctrine of “Trust the Process” means understanding that Sam Hinkie’s vision is still on the path to being realized. Now, we’ve got James Harden, lost the dead weight, and—with the year that Philly sports have been having so far—chances are looking up for a Blue November. Wells Fargo Center, 3601 N Broad St. ————————————————————————————— Nov. 2–13: Les Misérables @ Academy of Music
Can you hear the people sing? No? Well, if you attend the Broadway–scale production of Les Misérables at the Academy of Music, you certainly will. If you’re nostalgic for a performance that will transport you to another place and time, whisking you away through song and spirit, this show is for you. Tickets from $21 in the nosebleeds, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
Philly continues its film festival circuit with the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF), which celebrates its 15th anniversary in November. PAAFF’s theme this time around is “Intersections,” as the festival continues to explore and honor Asian and Pacific Islander identities and their intersectionalities. PAAFF will feature its annual Pacific Showcase, which curates dozens of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander short films. Tickets from $15, single rentals for films from $5, Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine St. ————————————————————————————— Nov. 5: Philly Zine Fest
For those of you who have been waiting to finally unleash your creative side—or those of you who pretend like you want to but never will—this month’s Philly Zine Fest is the place for you. Organized by The Soapbox Community Print Shop & Zine Library, this Saturday afternoon activity is the best way to procrastinate midterms studying and have fun while doing it. Free, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., 1913 N. Broad St. ————————————————————————————— Nov. 5: Battle of Xi Bands @ W.O.W. Philly
Your local frat boy probably spent his Tuesday night on Canva crafting the perfect poster for Temple’s Battle of the Bands, so do him a favor and make the short trip over to Warehouse on Watts to hear some incredible music while supporting FosterClub and StandUp for Kids. $15, 7:30 p.m. Warehouse on Watts, 923 N. Watts St. ————————————————————————————— Through Nov. 6: Pumpkinland @ Linvilla Orchards
Leaves are changing colors and pumpkin spice has been resurrected—fall is officially here and it’s the perfect time to take yourself to Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards to heal your repressed childhood trauma. Who needs therapy when you have Daytime Harvest Hayrides, corn mazes, and endless bushels of apples? $5, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Rd, Media. ————————————————————————————— Nov. 8: Election Day
You’ve gotten those endless Fetterman and Dr. Oz YouTube ads. Finally, they’ll be gone because Nov. 8 is Election Day! If you’re over 18 and registered in Pennsylvania, you have the chance to submit your ballot directly on campus. Penn has several campus polling locations, so check Penn Leads the Vote for further information on where you should specifically go. 18+, free, polling places in multiple locations on campus. ————————————————————————————— Nov. 9: The 1975 @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
If you like your ‘80s new wave music with an extra helping of dick jokes, you’ll love The 1975 at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. They just released their new album Being Funny in a Foreign Language—produced by Jack Antonoff, who made the songs sound bad. But hey, they’ll probably sound good live. Tickets from $65, 7 p.m. Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, 1 Harbor Blvd., Camden. ————————————————————————————— Nov. 11: EMO PROM 2022!! @ W.O.W. Philly
Seasonal depression putting you in your feels? Then you might be eligible for My Chemical Slow Dance, aka Emo Prom. Grab your crush, haphazardly swipe on some black eyeliner, and pull that Hot Topic ’fit out of your closet. This is the night of your middle school dreams, only this time there’s alcohol—and other sexy surprises—involved. 21+, 9 p.m. Warehouse on Watts, 923 N. Watts St. ————————————————————————————— Nov. 18: Jockstrap @ Johnny Brenda’s
OK, OK, hear me out. I know the name is dumb
Emily White
(read: fantastic), but Jockstrap is making some of the most forward–thinking—and, most importantly, fun—experimental pop music today. Just listen to “50/50” or “The City” and tell me they don’t bang. Their live show is sure to be an absolute mindfuck in the best way possible. 21+, $15, doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave. ————————————————————————————— Nov. 19 + 20: Philadelphia Marathon Weekend
Sorry folks, but your excuse for not working out is about to expire. Just kidding—I’m right there with you. But let’s take advantage of these 8K races, half and full marathons, and fun runs (whatever that means) to finally release ourselves from the guilt of never fulfilling our long–gone New Years’ Resolutions before we need to make new, albeit non–committal, ones soon. $15 to $155, various locations and times. ————————————————————————————— Nov. 23: Gimme Gimme Gimme Disco @ Brooklyn Bowl
Gimme gimme gimme any excuse to dress up and dance the night away. If you’re itching for an opportunity to trip the light fantastic, this ABBA inspired disco fits the bill. Break out your bell bottom pants and slinky dresses, and dance the night away. 21+, tickets from $12, doors at 9 p.m., show at 10 p.m. ————————————————————————————— Nov. 29: Paddington 2 @ Philadelphia Film Society
The rare sequel to surpass its predecessor, Paddington 2 is, without exaggerating, an unparalleled cinematic triumph. This film has everything: evil Hugh Grant, orange marmalade, singing prison chefs, and one irresistibly lovable CGI bear. The kicker: This screening courtesy of the PFS is pay–what–you–wish in honor of Giving Tuesday. 7:00 p.m., Philadelphia Film Society Film Center, 1412 Chestnut St.
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