Celebrities show out at the polls and online this Election Day

By Amanda Brucculeri

Boston University News Service

It’s Election Day, and voters and celebrities alike have made their way to the polls to hand in their ballots.

A number of celebrities have made appearances at polling stations across America today, or taken to social media to show their support.

Actor Paul Rudd handed out water bottles to voters in line at Temple University and Villanova University polling stations in the swing state of Pennsylvania. Lines grew to be almost two hours long at some stations, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

“I just wanted to give people water. They’re waiting in line for a long time, and it’s a wonderful thing that all these young people are out voting,” Rudd said.

Pennsylvania is one of the most crucial states in this election. Experts note that a presidential victory from either candidate would require Pennsylvania’s electoral votes. 

“We’ve been doing lots of stuff today here in Pennsylvania, and we wanted to come out and tell these students they’re doing really great things,” Rudd said.

Other celebrities took to social media to encourage the public to vote. Actor Mark Ruffalo posted an Instagram selfie flaunting his “Vote” pins, captioning it with a number that voters can text if they need information on how to vote or where to find a polling location. 

Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts and Reese Witherspoon are among the many female celebrities that have posted their support for Vice President Kamala Harris online today, encouraging others to do the same and cast their vote. Last night, Lady Gaga and Jon Bon Jovi were among the many stars that joined Harris at her multi-city rally, delivering performances and messages to voters.

“Today I am holding in my heart all the tough, tenacious women who made me who I am,” Gaga said. “I cast my vote for someone who will be a president for all, for all Americans.”

Some of Donald Trump’s celebrity proponents, such as retired wrestler Hulk Hogan and musician Kid Rock, have voiced their support for the former president on social media throughout the week. Social media influencer Bryce Hall took to his Instagram story today to urge followers to vote following his recent endorsement of Trump, and popular podcaster Joe Rogan just officially announced his endorsement of Trump yesterday.

As polls begin to close and votes are counted, celebrities and other public figures are expected to continue voicing their support for either candidate until results are declared.