Oregon Public Broadcasting

Researchers at Washington State University have found that when celebrities tell young people to vote, it works. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

In this public service announcement for declareyourself.com, actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Forest Whitaker implore young adults to get out and vote.

PSA: “If you’re not going to vote ... you know that right?”

Just before the 2004 presidential election, researchers at Washington State University wanted to find out if ads like this one actually motivate would-be voters.

They surveyed more than 300 WSU students. Study co-author Bruce Pinkleton can’t say whether a celebrity endorsement helps a particular candidate. But the survey results suggest celebrities can help get out the vote.

Bruce Pinkleton: “Given the fact that young people just have historically have not participated it seems like these campaigns are quite helpful in that regard.”

In the 2004 election, there was an 11 percent increase in 18 to 24 year olds voting. Pinkelton says some of that was because of celebrity ads.