Taylor Swift Teaches Fans How to Vote on Instagram Ahead of Midterm Elections

Taylor Swift Teaches Fans How to Vote Early
Singer Taylor Swift took to Instagram to teach fans how to vote early ahead of November's midterm elections. Here, Swift is pictured attending the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on October 9, 2018,... Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images For dcp

As the midterm elections inch closer toward its November 6 arrival, Taylor Swift is using her platform once again to discuss the significance of voting Wednesday. This time around, she aims to help her fans to learn how to cast their vote early.

"Something I wish I knew about when I was 18 and voting for the first time: EARLY VOTING," Swift wrote via Instagram before 112 million followers Wednesday. "It makes it so quick and easy to go and cast your vote before November 6. Early voting starts TODAY in Tennessee and goes to Nov 1."

In addition to this post, the 28-year-old "Blank Space" songstress shared a link in her Instagram profile's bio that listed when early voting begins in all 50 states.

Taylor Swift takes to instagram to inform fans of how they can vote early✨ pic.twitter.com/FcRT7oLo6v

— PopBuzz (@popbuzz) October 17, 2018

Swift first spoke out on the importance of voting in the upcoming midterm elections on October 7. At the time, she hit Instagram to declare she'd be backing Tennessee Democratic candidates Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for the House of Representatives in November.

"In the past, I've been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now," Swift wrote. "I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country."

Swift elaborated on her belief that all Americans deserve equality, writing: "I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent. I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love."

While Swift reiterated her interest in advocating for more female representation, she went on to explain why she wouldn't support Tennessee's Republican candidate Marsha Blackburn for Senate.

Blackburn is an avid supporter of President Donald Trump. As Swift listed Blackburn's voting record, she suggested the Republican candidate didn't hold her "Tennessee values."

Taylor Swift will be supporting Democrats in the midterm elections https://t.co/Fq1eZ0wgEZ pic.twitter.com/NAtKeqv95K

— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) October 8, 2018

"As much as I have in the past and would like to continue voting for women in office, I cannot support Marsha Blackburn. Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me," wrote Swift. "She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking and date rape. She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry."

Swift's post proved to increase voter registration. Kamari Guthrie, director of communications for Vote.org, informed BuzzFeed News how the organization gained "65,000 registrations in a single 24-hour period" following Swift's initial Instagram post.

After this Swift's Instagram post went viral, she additionally encouraged fans to vote once more at the American Music Awards (AMA). "I wanted to make a mention of the fact that this award and every single award given out tonight were voted on by the people," Swift said during her speech on October 9. "And you know what else is voted on by the people is the midterm elections on November 6th. Get out and vote."

If you are registered to vote and interested in doing so early, head to Vote.org to learn more about the process.

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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Dory Jackson is a New York-based entertainment journalist from Maryland. She graduated from Randolph-Macon College—in May 2016—with a focus in Communication ... Read more

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