The 2024 U.S. presidential election is heating up, and once again, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are stepping into the spotlight to encourage voter participation. Their message is clear: Every voice matters, and every vote counts—regardless of political party. In honour of National Voter Registration Day, their foundation, Archewell, is leading the charge to get more people registered to vote, focusing firmly on the importance of civic engagement.
But what exactly is driving this royal couple to urge Americans to vote, and why is their involvement so significant?
National Voter Registration Day & The Archewell Foundation
National Voter Registration Day is a key moment in the U.S. election calendar, aimed at promoting voter registration and awareness. This year, the Archewell Foundation, founded by Prince Harry and Meghan, took the opportunity to send personalized letters to unregistered voters. Through these letters, they sought to “support and empower” Americans to take an active role in shaping their country’s future.
Their foundation emphasized that voting is not just a right, but a “fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities.” By participating in civic engagement efforts, the couple hopes to inspire more people to make their voices heard.
Voting as a Fundamental Right
Voting is one of the most powerful tools citizens have to influence the course of their nation. In their statement, Prince Harry and Meghan reminded Americans that the act of voting goes beyond party politics. It’s about ensuring that all citizens have a say in their country. Civic engagement, they believe, is essential for creating a more just and equitable world.
The pair’s Archewell Foundation celebrated National Voter Registration Day by sending letters to unregistered voters.GTres / SplashNews.com
Political Neutrality: Voting Regardless of Party Affiliation
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are vocal about the importance of voting, they have consistently maintained political neutrality. Their message has always been one of civic duty—emphasizing the importance of voting without endorsing any political party or candidate. To them, what matters is not which side you’re on, but that you participate in the democratic process.
Previous Engagement in the 2020 Election
This isn’t the first time Harry and Meghan have spoken out about the importance of voting. Ahead of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, they shared a similar message. Meghan Markle, in particular, made headlines by cold-calling voters, urging them to participate in the election. She reminded people that their vote reflected their values and their voice.
The Archewell Foundation’s Letter Campaign
In 2024, the Archewell Foundation is continuing this momentum with a letter-writing campaign aimed at unregistered voters. By using Vote Forward’s letter-writing tool, the foundation hopes to reach potential voters who may otherwise stay silent. These personal letters encourage citizens to take action and register to vote, adding a personal touch to the broader movement.
The Impact of Voting on Communities
At its core, voting is about shaping the future of one’s community. Each vote represents a vision for what you want your neighbourhood, town, and country to look like. Prince Harry and Meghan are passionate about this message, encouraging people to think about how their vote can impact the world around them. Voting is not just a personal action but a communal one, with far-reaching effects.
Using Vote Forward’s Tool for Engagement
The collaboration between Archewell and Vote Forward is pivotal in their efforts. Vote Forward is a nonpartisan organization that empowers volunteers to write letters to unregistered voters, encouraging them to participate in elections. By partnering with Vote Forward, Archewell is amplifying its message, ensuring more Americans hear the call to action.
Civic Engagement and Social Justice
For Prince Harry and Meghan, voting is closely tied to the broader cause of social justice. They believe that by participating in elections, citizens can push for more equitable policies and a fairer society. Civic engagement is about more than just casting a ballot—it’s about being part of the change you want to see.
Photos of Volunteers: Hard at Work
Archewell’s volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure as many people as possible are registered to vote. The foundation shared several photos of these volunteers in action, further inspiring others to get involved. Their hard work underscores the power of grassroots efforts in driving voter turnout.
Voting: A Way to Combat Misinformation
Prince Harry has long been outspoken about the dangers of misinformation and hate speech. During the 2020 election, he encouraged Americans to vote in a way that rejects negativity, falsehoods, and division. In a world where misinformation spreads quickly online, voting can be a powerful tool to reaffirm truth and justice.
Why the Couple Has Not Endorsed a Candidate
Despite their involvement in encouraging voting, Prince Harry and Meghan have refrained from endorsing any specific candidate. They aim to remain politically neutral, focusing on the broader message of civic participation rather than specific politics. This stance allows them to reach a wider audience and emphasize the importance of voting without the influence of partisan bias.
Meghan’s Support for Kamala Harris in 2020
Although the couple remains neutral in the 2024 election, Meghan Markle did voice her support for Kamala Harris ahead of the 2020 election. As someone of biracial heritage, Markle expressed excitement at seeing Harris, who is of Jamaican and Indian descent, on the ballot. For Meghan, representation matters—and seeing someone who reflects her identity in high office was inspiring.
The Duke and Duchess’s Personal Connection to Voting
The couple’s stance on voting is deeply personal. As a biracial woman, Meghan has spoken about the importance of seeing diverse representation in politics. Harry, who cannot vote as a member of the British royal family, has used his platform to encourage Americans to exercise the rights that he does not have.
Conclusion
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s message is simple yet powerful: Voting is crucial to shaping the future, no matter your political beliefs. By promoting civic engagement through the Archewell Foundation, they are helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society. In the end, the message is clear: Your vote matters—so make sure to use it.
FAQs
1. Why are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle encouraging people to vote?
They believe voting is essential for creating a more just and equitable society, regardless of political affiliation.
2. What is the Archewell Foundation’s role in the election?
The foundation is leading efforts to register unregistered voters and encourage civic engagement
