As speculation swirls about the potential influence of pop star Taylor Swift’s endorsement in the 2024 presidential election, a recent poll suggests that her backing may not carry as much weight as anticipated, particularly among young voters.
Poll Findings
Conducted by The Generation Lab and Axios from February 3 to 14, the survey targeted 1,073 young adults. It revealed that only 4% of respondents, or approximately 1-in-20, indicated that they would “consider changing” their presidential vote if Swift endorsed a candidate.
Swift’s Past Endorsement
In the 2020 presidential election, Swift endorsed Democratic nominee Joe Biden over then-President Donald Trump. Her endorsement emphasized the importance of fighting for human rights, including the safety and representation of people of color, women’s reproductive rights, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Influence on Voter Turnout
The poll also assessed the potential impact of Swift’s call for young adults to vote. Approximately 6% of respondents stated that her endorsement could change their likelihood of voting. While this percentage may seem modest, it could still have a tangible effect on elections, especially in tight races.
Previous Impact of Swift’s Advocacy
Swift’s advocacy for voter registration has previously demonstrated its effectiveness. In 2023, her call to action on Instagram led to 35,252 new registrations on Voter Registration Day, marking the largest surge since 2020.
Speculation and Conspiracy Theories
Despite Swift’s non-endorsement in the 2024 election thus far, conservative commentators and even former presidential candidates have propagated unfounded conspiracy theories about her. Following reports of anticipated backlash from Trump supporters, Swift has faced baseless accusations and attacks on her loyalty.
Conclusion
While Taylor Swift’s endorsement may not sway a significant portion of young voters, her advocacy efforts have the potential to mobilize substantial numbers, as demonstrated by previous voter registration campaigns. As the political landscape evolves, Swift’s influence, whether through endorsements or activism, remains a topic of interest and speculation in the realm of electoral politics.
Clara Cardoso
