Creators, tech firms, and Barack Obama are out in full force on National Voter Registration Day

September 17 is National Voter Registration Day, and big names in the creator economy are showing out to ensure the enfranchisement of their American fans. One of the more wide-reaching campaigns comes from Linktree, which teamed up with celebrity users to put voter registration information in link-in-bio profiles.

To get U.S. citizens signed up at the polls, Linktree is mobilizing some notable names from among the 50 million users of its link-in-bio service. Everyone from NBA star Stephen Curry to musician Olivia Rodrigo to creator Hank Green has added a link-in-bio prompt that directs profile viewers to a page where they can check (and, if need be, update) their voter registration status.

Other Linktree users can make their own voter registration pleas by adding a voter registration link or banner to their profile. Paying subscribers can use Linktree’s redirect tool to forge a direct connection to the voter registration page.

“With 50+ million of the most powerful voices on the internet, Linktree exists to empower creators to own their audiences, and drive their followers to the things they care about most. For so many in our community that’s about looking to use their platform to drive social impact and good,” said Linktree SVP of Marketing, Partnerships, and Business Development Lara Cohen in a statement. “Our partnership with Vote.org allows creators, high-profile celebrities, and everyday people to rally their communities in making sure their voices are heard in this crucial U.S. election.”

Linktree is not the only entity bringing attention to National Voter Registration Day. Another prominent celebrant is President Barack Obama, who popped up on TikTok to encourage America’s young voters to register. Obama is no stranger to influencer interviews, and his collabs with TikTokers like Carlos Eduardo Espina are introducing him to a new generation of politically-motivated creators.

@carlos_eduardo_espinaUna conversación de corazón con el Presidente Obama 🙏🏼❤️

♬ original sound – Carlos_Eduardo_Espina

Not even a year ago, Obama criticized so-called “TikTok activism,” but a lot has changed since then. We are in the midst of an “influencer election,” and both major parties are pulling on all the stops to get face time with the young voters who frequent social media platforms like TikTok.

In an era when Taylor Swift drives more voter registrations than the candidates themselves, Obama’s about-face on TikTok activists is understandable. (Note: Swift drove signups on the government-run landing page Vote.gov; Linktree’s partner is the nonprofit Vote.org.)

These new attempts to court political influencers exist next to redoubled efforts that date back to previous presidential election cycles. The Good to Vote campaign, in which musicians (Sabrina Carpenter, Alicia Keys), TV personalities (Jimmy Kimmel, RuPaul), and creators (Brittany Broski, Vsauce’s Michael Stevens) run sweepstakes that reward registered voters, has returned for 2024.

Former YouTube employee Ben Relles and HeadCount kicked off Good to Vote in 2020, and they brought it back for the 2022 midterms. The 2024 edition of the campaign, which includes more than 50 participating artists, is building on the momentum that has already resulted in 400,000 voter registrations since 2020.

With so many creators participating in National Voter Registration Day, the U.S. citizens among their respective fanbases will have every chance to make their voices heard in November. If you need one more kick in the pants before you check your registration status, let us provide it: Go vote already!