As the midterm elections fast approach, people are becoming increasingly vocal about the way they believe Congress should lean. Pop singer Taylor Swift is no exception and has recently used her extensive voice to engage in United States politics.

She began her political crusade when she posted a rather long post on Instagram, arguing for the candidates she is planning on voting for in midterm elections.

In her post, she denounces the incumbent Republican Senator of her state, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, stating that her opposition to ideas and policies Swift sees important, such as the Violence Against Women Act, LGBTQ rights, and perpetuating of racial intolerance, is unacceptable.

“I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is wrong. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.” Taylor says.

In her post, she goes on to explain who she endorses for the election.

“I will be voting for Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for House of Representatives,” she writes.

This has sparked a lot of debate over the fact that Taylor may have overstepped her ground by displaying her political views.

Some argue that Taylor is an entertainer and cannot use her influence to in partake in politics.  

“She has a lot of influence and someone like that does have an effect on people’s individual and sovereign opinions.” said Lucas Kinniburg(‘19).

Others commend Taylor for having the courage to display her opinions despite the fact that she may be risking favorability:

“People should be able to express their opinions, it don’t matter. What does it matter that she’s famous?” said Sam Erikat (‘20).

The endorsement did have a significant impact on the race, however, as Vote.org(website directly cited on her post) reported 65,000 people registering to vote a day after her post, though it is still possible that this volume of people could not have been affected by her.

Some point out the ironic component of this situation as she takes a political stance opposite to Kanye West, a former combatant of her. He has recently taken a strong stance on his pro-Republican ideals, especially after a meeting with the president earlier this month.

Taylor Swift has definitely stirred up the political scene with her controversial extension of her views onto her large number of followers. November 6 will decide if these efforts were in vain or worth the uproar.