Democrats are relying on Taylor Swift’s influence in new social media campaign. Several states warn against election interference. All information in the news blog.
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10.12 a.m.: The US Democrats have launched a new social media campaign aimed primarily at young voters. The campaign references pop superstar Taylor Swift, who spoke out in support of Kamala Harris in September. Swift is playing three concerts in Florida this week, where Democrats plan to target the new campaign near the concerts.
The new campaign relies primarily on social media. For example, the Democrats released a filter for the popular Snapchat app and released digital banners that allude to Swift’s “Eras” tour.
Although Florida is not considered a battleground state in the presidential election and is traditionally in the hands of Republicans, Democrats hope to use Swift’s enormous reach of 280 million Instagram followers to mobilize young, undecided voters shortly before the election. It is still unclear whether Swift and her team are actively involved in the new campaign.
3:10 a.m.: Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has sought the support of Muslim and Arab voters in the state of Michigan. “I know this year has been very difficult given the immense scale of death and destruction in Gaza and the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon,” Harris said at a campaign rally in Oakland County.
The killing of Hamas leader Jihia al-Sinwar must be a turning point in the conflict, emphasized the Democrat and, with a view to the ceasefire negotiations, said: “Everyone must use this opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza, the hostages to bring home and end the suffering once and for all.” Diplomacy is therefore also “the key to creating long-term stability on the Israeli-Lebanese border.”
The killing of Hamas leader Jihia al-Sinwar must be a turning point in the conflict, emphasized the Democrat and, with a view to the ceasefire negotiations, said: “Everyone must use this opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza, the hostages to bring home and end the suffering once and for all.” Diplomacy is therefore also “the key to creating long-term stability on the Israeli-Lebanese border.”
1.20 a.m.: Several US states are warning local election officials that anyone who attempts to obstruct the upcoming presidential election on November 5th or fails to certify the results will face criminal or hefty financial penalties.
At least five of the seven key states that could decide the outcome of the election between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican challenger Donald Trump have already initiated investigations. Charges have been filed and officials detained who have attempted to interfere in the electoral process or delay the certification of results, Reuters news agency reports.
Additionally, local authorities have been warned that late certification of results could cost their county governments dearly, such as unnecessary recounts or audits.
This tightened supervision is intended to prevent unfounded allegations of fraud from delaying the process of certifying election results and thus endangering the conclusion by Congress – a particularly explosive issue in the current political situation.
7.40 p.m.: A federal court in Washington DC has released new details related to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation. The prosecutor is investigating the role of former US President Donald Trump in the events of January 6th and the storming of the Capitol. The materials that have now been released are still largely unrecognizable and mostly contain information that is already publicly known. Read more about it here.
