Every Celeb and Brand That Told Me to Vote in the Midterms, Ranked

Over the weekend, someone I kind of know posted something from someone I don’t know at all on Facebook. “Wow,” it read. “I can’t believe this is why Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson split up.” It included a picture of the couple as well as a link—to the registration form on Vote.org. I shared it. It quickly became one of my most popular posts.

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The post didn't originate with Grande, but it could have. Grande, along with uncountable scores of celebrities, brands, and apps, were working overtime to encourage people to vote, or at least insert themselves in the political conversation on Tuesday as people in the US headed to the polls. Google, of course, got in on the action, turning the day’s doodle into a “Go Vote” message rendered in the company’s signature colors and font. So, naturally, did Facebook, posting “It’s Election Day!” messages and giving users the ability to share that they voted.

If the 2016 election taught us anything, it’s that a celebrity endorsement doesn’t necessarily clinch an election for one candidate or another. But the overall hum of voices saying “Go vote!” can motivate—or at least remind—people to get to the polls. (Peer pressure!) And as these midterms loomed, it seemed the cacophony of digital Get Out the Vote efforts was getting out of hand. Here are some of the best and worst we saw—from Tinder to Torchy’s Tacos.

22. Tinder

Before I’d even finished my first cup of coffee this morning, I got a message from Tinder. (Not exactly the East Coast's prime time for Tinder notifications.) “It’s time to get your vote on, because every single vote counts!” Yes, the app that has been encouraging us to make bad decisions and judge folks on the least valuable information available would like you to decide the future of America. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

21. James Woods

Fresh out of Twitter Jail for a misleading tweet about the midterms, actor and butt of Entourage jokes James Woods posted the above message asking people to not just vote, but to #VoteRed.

20. Tomi Lahren

…And now a word from conservative commentator Tomi Lahren.

19. Torchy’s Tacos

Honestly, this one is a bit confusing. Is salsa Republican? Is guac a Democrat thing? (Yes, we know, those are types of tacos at Torchy's.) Regardless, get munchies after the polls.

18. Twitter

Never one to miss out on a Moment or an opportunity to get involved in democracy, the official Twitter account on Twitter posted “thank you, vote.” The message was a riff on Grande’s new single “Thank u, next,” which…

17. Ariana Grande, Retweeting Twitter

For those who missed the tweetstorm about it, pop’s premiere shade-thrower Ariana Grande dropped her latest single late Saturday night—about 30 minutes before her ex-fianc´e Pete Davidson’s show, Saturday Night Live, hit the air. The song, in which Grande thanks her former lovers (including Davidson) for their service, was, in the singer’s own words, “a smash,” and quickly took over streaming services and Twitter. Not too long after the social media service used her song to encourage folks to hit the polls, Grande herself did the same.

16. Lucky Charms

Seriously? Have we not learned that luck has nothing to do with who wins elections??

15. The Rock

While many celebs just used words to encourage voting, Dwayne Johnson opted for a thirst trap. Well, a thirst trap that also doubled as a dig at his buddy Kevin Hart, but a trap nonetheless.

14. Kevin Hart

Speaking of Kevin Hart, he also voted (very early, from the looks of it), and would like you all to do the same.

13. Idris Elba

Speaking of thirst traps, People’s new Sexiest Man Alive, Idris Elba, also used the announcement of his new title to motivate the masses—an especially civic-minded overture, considering he's a Brit. Always a class act, that Idris.

12. Isiah Whitlock Jr.

The Wire star Isiah Whitlock Jr. wasn’t about to let Elba’s tweet stand, though. In addition to his famous Clay Davis rejoinder, he also had this to say: #GoVote.

11. The Milwaukee Bucks

Yes, even NBA teams are asking that you participate in something besides your fantasy league. Small forward Khris Middleton, at least, seems to be on board; his teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo may not be, but his Greek citizenship gives him a pass.

10. Kate Walsh

Lots of folks did some variation on the “Me Voting in 2016 vs. Me Voting in 2018” meme. Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice star Kate Walsh’s just happens to be our personal fave. (Though WIRED contributer Jenn Wood had a doozy too.)

9. Will Ferrell, via Funny or Die

You know what this election cycle hasn’t had enough of? Dance routines. Thank the East Lake High Spartan cheer squad, then, that Will Ferrell and Funny or Die are here to rectify that.

8. Ice Cube

There are worse ways to announce you’re about to drop new music.

7. William Barton

Ice Cube not enough of a motivator? Maybe this rallying cry from pro Hearthstone player William Barton will work?

6. Every Outfit on Sex and the City

The Instagram account Every Outfit on Sex and the City, which, yes, posts about all of the fashion on HBO’s iconic single ladies show, became something of an unofficial get-out-the-vote campaign during SATC star Cynthia Nixon’s gubernatorial run in New York earlier this year. Miranda didn’t make the ballot, but the folks behind the feed would still like you not to be a Samantha and instead vote for someone. (You’re welcome to be a Sam in other ways, though, of course.)

5. Frank Ocean, via Beats 1 Radio

It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from R&B wunderkind Frank Ocean’s Blonded Radio on Beats 1. But he brought it back Tuesday morning with an only-kinda-cryptic image of a voting booth—and then promised merch to fans in select cities who could prove they'd voted. Thanks, Frank.

4. Demi Lovato

Singer and actress Demi Lovato has been nearly radio silent on social media since July when she entered rehab following an overdose. But she got on Instagram today to say she's "so grateful to be home in time to vote!" She went on to say "One vote can make a difference, so make sure your voice is heard!"

3. RuPaul

Much like the fine crew behind Every Outfit on Sex and the City, RuPaul would like you to get a squirrel friend to the polls. SISSY THAT VOTE.

2. Beyoncé

Beyoncé, who sent out a plea to her fans to vote via email in the 24 hours before the midterms, took to Instagram to announce support for Beto O’Rourke, who is challenging Republican Senator Ted Cruz in her home state of Texas. If anyone can get people to the polls, it’s Beyoncé. The queen has spoken.

1. Steak-umm

We’ll leave you with this—just in case you do need a frozen meat company to tell you what to do.

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