Former First Lady Michelle Obama is set to lead a rally in Atlanta on October 29, just one week ahead of the November 5 election. This event aims to capture the attention of younger voters, first-time participants, and individuals from diverse communities.
The gathering is organized by When We All Vote, a nonpartisan initiative founded by Obama in 2018, with the mission of transforming the voting culture and encouraging a greater turnout among those typically disengaged from the electoral process.
This rally is expected to bolster the campaign of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in a key battleground state. Obama has been a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and recently highlighted Harris’s candidacy during a speech at the national convention in August.
While the lineup of celebrities attending remains unspecified, the co-chairs of the organizing group include notable personalities such as Stephen Curry and Chris Paul from the NBA, as well as musicians like Becky G, H.E.R., Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, and Janelle Monáe. Additionally, the rally could attract actors like Tom Hanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Kerry Washington, among others.
The organization has held over 500 “Party at the Polls” events nationwide with the aim of boosting voter registration and participation. These events have ranged from lively block parties in cities such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Philadelphia, to collaborations with professional sports leagues and major music festivals throughout the year.
“We aim to harness the excitement and energy from the rally and direct it to the ballot boxes,” remarked Beth Lynk, the executive director of When We All Vote. “We intend to unite culture, energy, and momentum in one vibrant gathering.”
Lynk emphasized the importance of Atlanta as the venue, highlighting the state’s diversity and the significant influence that a small number of voters can exert in Georgia. Approximately one-third of Georgia’s electorate comprises Black voters, along with rapidly expanding Asian American and Latino groups. The initiative is particularly focused on mobilizing college students in the metro Atlanta area, according to Lynk.
“Feedback from young voters indicates that many are skeptical about the power of their votes. However, it’s clear they matter, without question,” Lynk explained. “We understand that democracy must be inclusive, and that’s the message we’ll emphasize at this rally.”
The rally is strategically scheduled to take place just prior to early voting concluding in Georgia on November 1, with Election Day looming just days later.