Hollywood celebrities urge fans to vote blue in Georgia Senate runoffs

Georgia voters are participating in a special runoffs on Tuesday to determine who will represent them in the Senate, potentially flipping the political body from Republic-led to Democratic.

With control of the Senate hanging in the balance, stars have already lined up to try to tip the scales for their preferred candidates as Democratic challenger the Rev. Raphael Warnock faces Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democrat Jon Ossoff takes on Sen. David Perdue in the election held on January 5, 2021.

The elections are being held as President Donald Trump continues to allege without evidence that widespread voter fraud in Georgia caused his loss to Joe Biden on November 3, 2020.

Artists and celebrities from Hollywood, New York and Georgia itself have been participating in phone banking, text campaigns and fundraising efforts. In recent weeks, “Little Fires Everywhere” actress Kerry Washington, the Roots drummer Questlove and “This Is Us” star Sterling K Brown joined voting rights advocates at virtual video events.

Also Read: The four vital faces in the Georgia runoff elections

Since November, Hollywood stars have helped Georgia Democrats by fundraising and boosting social media enthusiasm for Senate challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. They are also making emotional appeals, with comedian Patton Oswalt warning that the “future of our country hangs on the outcome of the Senate races” in Georgia.  

Big names among the donors include director Steven Spielbeg, actor Leonardo DiCaprio, singer John Legend and comedian Amy Schumer. About 90% of the money was donated to Democrats.

In addition to donating money, industry heavyweights are hosting fundraisers, urging their fans to volunteer in Georgia and trying to turn out the vote for the election.

Also read: Voting begins for crucial Senate runoffs in Georgia

According to the reports of the New York Times, three million people have already voted in the runoff races, nearly 40% of all the registered voters in the state. The voting locations opened at 7 a.m. Eastern time and will close at 7 pm. Anyone in line at 7 pm. can stay in line to vote. Two Republican incumbents, Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler are battling to keep their seats. If their Democratic challengers, Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock, both win, Democrats will reclaim the Senate majority.