Kerry Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio Encourage Voters to Make Voice Heard in ‘Every Vote Counts’

America Ferrera, Chris Rock, Alicia Keys and other stars celebrated the power and importance of citizen action on Thursday’s CBS special.
Alicia Keys, America Ferrera, Kerry Washington and a host of Hollywood stars have teamed up to celebrate the power of voting on the Every Vote Counts: A Celebration of Democracy special, which airs Thursday on CBS. The special celebrated the power and importance of civic action and urged citizens to exercise their right to vote.

“Our actions at this point will determine the direction of this country for generations to come. So don’t miss this opportunity. Every vote counts,” Washington told viewers.

The special show featured a variety of speakers describing why votes matter to them, highlighting their personal stories from previous elections and first-time voters’ votes.

Washington had a virtual chat with voters for the first time, and Beatrice Lumpkin, a 102-year-old voter (a photo of her mail on her ballot while wearing a Hazmat-type balaclava went viral recently). “We can change the things that are wrong if we stay involved. We stay in the process after the vote,” Lumpkin said. “I vote for myself and my children, but I also vote for each of them,” Washington said.

Meanwhile, former Senators Bill Frist and Tom Daschle had a virtual conversation with Ferrera and said it was important that the media did not compete to “be the first to declare a winner.” They also stressed that the arguments that “our electoral process is flawed and imperfect” are “absolutely false”.

Stars like Amy Schumer and Chris Rock attended the show to provide information on how viewers can safely vote during the pandemic. In a fake zoom call between them, the comedians discussed what items to bring. Schumer suggested that a loaded baked potato could be a snack, and joked that a photo of her lounging by the pool in your house. talk to.

Leonardo DiCaprio also joined the special and urged voters to be “active” in these elections. “Your voice is important. Please come out and vote. Make sure your voice is heard,” he said.

Lin-Manuel Miranda later spoke about how she would always vote with her mother at the local library. “Votes are the most powerful way to express who you are and what is important to you. He shouted this election season, but the drum for America’s future has gotten louder,” he said. he said before presenting to young poets to recite them. the spoken word.

During the special, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria and Wilmer Valderrama discussed among the stars the importance and power of the Latin vote. “By the time I was able to vote, I wanted to do so to make sure I vote on things that affect my family,” Longoria said. In the meantime, Valderamma reiterated that “immigrants from all over the world have come to this country and brick by brick has turned it into one country.”

“It is very exciting that we are voting in record numbers this year. I voted because I believe in democracy. I voted because I care about the future of our children. I voted because I am proud and support my congregation, ”said Salma Hayek.

The special also emphasized the importance of being patient on polling day. “People are voting in historic numbers and for many reasons, including COVID-19, about half of the votes should be mailed… it will take time,” Washington said. “If we don’t get a result on election night, that’s fine. Take your time to make sure the votes are counted. It’s democracy. It’s government of the people for the people.”

Cast members throughout the event included Maluma with the Black Eyed Peas, Shawn Mendes, Dan + Shay, Keys with Brandi Carlile and Offset. During the performance of Offset, men stood behind him on the stage, wearing t-shirts with messages such as “I am a man”, “My voice matters” and “Black men vote”.

Cobie Smulders, Coldplay, Condoleezza Rice, Kelly Clarkson, John Kasich, Natalie Portman and Shaquille O’Neal also performed.

Every Vote Counts was produced by Live Nation, Global Citizen, Chad Hines and Ivan Dudynsky for Live Animals and cooperated by Keys, Ferrera, Washington, Longoria, DiCaprio, Ryan Piers Williams, Chris Stadler, Rick Yorn and AK Worldwide Harness on Simpson Street product and Sunshine Sachs.