In a powerful new advertisement released by the progressive evangelical group Vote Common Good, Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts delivers a compelling message to women across the United States. Roberts encourages women, particularly those with conservative partners, to vote for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, emphasizing the importance of privacy and autonomy in their voting decisions.
The 30-second ad portrays a scenario that resonates with the current political climate. Two women are seen entering a voting booth, one of whom casts her ballot for Harris. As they exit, a man, presumably her husband, asks if she made the “right choice.” The woman confidently responds, “Sure did, honey,” before sharing a subtle, knowing smile with her friend.
Roberts’ voiceover reinforces the ad’s central message: “Remember, what happens in the booth stays in the booth.” This emphasizes the confidentiality of voting and the right for women to make their own choices without feeling pressured to disclose them to their spouses.
This ad cleverly echoes messages delivered by former First Lady Michelle Obama during a recent rally in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Addressing women who may not feel heard or valued in their households, Michelle Obama stressed the importance of women’s independence in voting decisions. She emphasized, “Your vote is a private matter,” adding that casting their ballots can allow women to support issues that directly impact them and the future.
“You get to choose. You get to use your judgment and cast your vote for yourself and the women in your life,” Obama stated, further reinforcing the notion that women’s empowerment in voting can significantly impact the upcoming election.
The ad comes at a time when women’s issues, privacy, and autonomy are at the forefront of public discourse. Roberts’ message underscores the sentiment that women should feel empowered to make voting decisions that reflect their own beliefs, even if these differ from those of their partners. This powerful message reinforces the importance of women’s right to vote freely and independently, contributing to a more inclusive and representative democratic process.
