The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have previously used their platform to encourage voter registration
Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation/Getty
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation is mobilizing voters before Election Day in the U.S. in November.
On Sept. 17 — otherwise known as National Voter Registration Day — the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s charitable organization released a recap about how the Archewell team wrote personalized letters encouraging unregistered voters to register to vote. The group used Vote Forward’s letter-writing tool as a resource.
“Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities,” according to a statement shared on the Archewell Foundation website, along with photos from the effort.
“At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, no matter one’s political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world. By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters,” the statement continued.
Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images
“We invite you to join us in this important effort,” the message said, linking out to Vote Forward for more information as well as Vote.gov.
“Together, let’s make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America’s future,” the Archewell Foundation statement concluded.
While Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, weren’t pictured participating in the volunteer activity, they have previously used their platform to advocate around the importance of voting on National Voter Registration Day.
In September 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared in a video shared during an ABC broadcast special announcing the 2020 TIME100 contingent, where they encouraged voter registration. It was significant as it marked the couple’s first joint television appearance since stepping back from their royal roles in the U.K. earlier that year and relocating to Meghan’s home state of California.
Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty
“Now we’re just six weeks out from Election Day, and today is National Voter Registration Day,” Meghan said in the video shared by TIME. “Every four years we are told the same thing, that this is the most important election of our lifetime. But this one is,” she continued, seemingly referring to the presidential race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in 2020.
“When we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard. Your voice is a reminder that you matter, because you do, and you deserve to be heard,” Meghan said.
“This election I’m not going to be able to vote here in the U.S. But many of you may not know that I haven’t been able to vote in the U.K. my entire life,” said Prince Harry, apparently referencing the British royal family’s political neutrality. “As we approach this November, it’s vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity.”
Diego Cuevas/Getty
That year, the Duchess of Sussex made modern royal history as the first member of the royal family to vote in a U.S. presidential election by casting a ballot.
At the time, a source told PEOPLE that the duchess was “voting in this election,” but declined to disclose whether she voted early or locally in California, where she and Prince Harry live with their children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
A friend further confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been following the run-up to the 2020 election cycle closely.
“They have taken a keen interest in this election and I’m sure they are eagerly awaiting the outcome,” the friend said.
Before Election Day, Meghan’s friend Gloria Steinem told Access Hollywood that she and the Duchess of Sussex cold-called voters together on the day of their backyard chat to discuss voting, representation at the polls and what it means to be a feminist. Around the same time, Meghan revealed her plans to vote in the U.S. presidential election when she joined 99 other influential women — including Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey — in sharing their reasons for heading to the polls with Marie Claire.
“I know what it’s like to have a voice, and also what it’s like to feel voiceless,” the Duchess of Sussex said in a statement. “I also know that so many men and women have put their lives on the line for us to be heard. And that opportunity, that fundamental right, is in our ability to exercise our right to vote and to make all of our voices heard.”
“One of my favorite quotes, and one that my husband and I have referred to often, is from Kate Sheppard, a leader in the suffragist movement in New Zealand, who said, ‘Do not think your single vote does not matter much. The rain that refreshes the parched ground is made up of single drops,’ ” she continued. “That is why I vote.”
On Election Day in November 2022, the Archewell Foundation posted a photo of Meghan wearing an “I Voted” sticker in a news release titled “Vote.” The short message encouraged Americans to go vote, along with tips for voting in person.
News
(B) As Taylor Swift releases her Eras Tour movie, take a look back at her musical ‘eras’ through the years
Taylor Swift’s Life in Photos As Taylor Swift releases her Eras Tour movie, take a look back at her musical ‘eras’ through the years Photo: John Shearer/Getty Taylor Swift has cemented herself as one of the biggest names in music. The singer first…
(B) Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez’s Friendship Timeline
Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez’s Friendship Timeline The pop singers first met through the Jonas Brothers and have been close friends ever since Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton’s Relationship Timeline Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez have an enduring friendship. The…
(B) OMG: Kim Kardashian FR3AKOFF Tapes Finally Exposed
The Allegations Against Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and Diddy: A Deep Dive into Hollywood Controversy The entertainment world is no stranger to scandals, but the recent allegations against Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and Sean “Diddy” Combs are shaking the very…
(B) Kim Kardashian’s Footage From Diddy’s Parties Is Leaked and Made Public: OMG XXX
Kim Kardashian’s Involvement in Diddy’s Affairs Sparks Major Controversy 2024 has proven to be a whirlwind year for the world of celebrities, with one bombshell after another shaking fans and leaving many questioning what they thought they knew. The latest…
(b) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Appeal for Voter Engagement: A Step Towards Civic Participation
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Appeal for Voter Engagement: A Step Towards Civic Participation In a significant public statement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have called for widespread voter engagement in the United States,…
(b) What Is Diddy Accused Of? His Scathing Criminal Charges, Explained — and What They Mean for the Rapper
What Is Diddy Accused Of? His Scathing Criminal Charges, Explained — and What They Mean for the Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was arrested on Sept. 16 on charges related to racketeering, sex trafficking and more. Here’s where the rapper is…
End of content
No more pages to load