How Political Endorsements Work

Swayed by endorsements?

A political endorsement is a public declaration of support for a candidate. Endorsements can come from registered political parties, lawmakers, celebrities, or public figures and can be made through statements, media appearances, or on social media.
Endorsements matter because they indicate that a candidate's values are supported and approved by others. Candidates actively seek support from well-known individuals and groups and reveal that support at key campaign moments.

Validation: Endorsements can ease voter doubts by proving a candidate is credible and suitable. The "party-over-policy" phenomenon states that voters are also more likely to take cues from political parties or people, over policies.
Broader Reach: Endorsers typically have established networks and platforms. Their endorsement can help a candidate reach demographics and communities that might have otherwise been difficult to access.
Simplification: When voters learn that someone they support endorses a candidate, they assume shared values between the two. This saves them time and effort delving into policies and voting records.
Building momentum: A high-profile endorsement boosts a campaign by motivating voters, attracting volunteers, and creating enthusiasm. In the 2008 Democratic Primary, Oprah's endorsement likely added 1 million votes to Obama, which may have secured his close win over Clinton.
Swing votes: In close elections, endorsements can sway swing voters who are unsure or willing to change their minds.
Elevating lesser-known candidates: For candidates who lack name recognition, endorsements from respected figures help elevate their profiles and level the playing field against better-known opponents.

The rise of social media has expanded the reach and impact of endorsements, making them more accessible to the general public. For voters, these endorsements can help them assess a candidate's viability and alignment with their personal values.
When people or groups endorse a politician, it can help undecided voters decide more quickly. However, voters should still think about whether the endorser is trustworthy or just endorsing for their own benefit.
Voters should research if the endorser's background, beliefs, and connections match the candidate's. Authentic endorsements are also backed with rationale, while superficial ones may lack substance or detail.

Have endorsements ever influenced your political choices? How significant are they in shaping your voting decisions?

The Latest