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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry‘s Archewell Foundation has a message for voters before Election Day in the US in November.
On Sept. 17, National Voter Registration Day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s organization shared a look into how the Archewell team sent out personalized letters that encouraged unregistered voters to get involved and register.
“Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities,” per the statement shared on the Archewell Foundation’s website, along with photos from the effort.
“At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, no matter one’s political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world. By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters,” the message continued. “We invite you to join us in this important effort.”
The statement is also linked to Vote Forward for more information and Vote.gov.
The Archewell Foundation message concluded: “Together, let’s make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America’s future.”
Prince Harry, 40, and Markle, 43, weren’t photographed participating in the volunteer activity this time around, but they have used their platform to advocate for the importance of voting on National Voter Registration Day in the past.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex encouraged voter registration during the last election in a September 2020 video televised during an ABC broadcast special announcing that year’s Time100 contingent. At the time, Markle spoke out in support of current Democratic nominee Kamala Harris after she was previously announced as Joe Biden’s vice president running mate.
The clip marked the couple’s first joint television appearance since stepping away from their royal roles in the UK earlier that year and relocating to Montecito, California, with their two kids Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3.
Republican nominee Donald Trump, meanwhile, warned Harry in February that he would be “on his own” if he becomes president again in the November election.
“I wouldn’t protect him. He betrayed the queen. That’s unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me,” he told Express at the time.
Markle noted that the 2020 presidential race between Biden and Trump was of high importance.
“Every four years we are told the same thing,” she continued at the time, “that this is the most important election of our lifetime but this one is.”
She went on: “When we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard. Your voice is a reminder that you matter, because you do, and you deserve to be heard.”
Prince Harry chimed in, taking a moment to reference the British royal family’s political neutrality, explaining, “This election I’m not going to be able to vote here in the US. But many of you may not know that I haven’t been able to vote in the UK my entire life.”
“As we approach this November, it’s vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity.”
The Duchess of Sussex made royal history during that time as she became the first member of the royal family to vote in a US presidential election by casting a ballot.
A source told People magazine that Markle was “voting in this election” but did not disclose whether she voted early or locally in California.
A friend further confirmed to the outlet that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been closely following the run-up to the 2020 election cycle.
“They have taken a keen interest in this election, and I’m sure they are eagerly awaiting the outcome,” they shared.
Markle also explained her reasons for heading to the polls in an article by Marie Claire, along with 99 other influential women who were doing the same.
“I know what it’s like to have a voice, and also what it’s like to feel voiceless,” the Duchess of Sussex said in a statement to the outlet. “I also know that so many men and women have put their lives on the line for us to be heard. And that opportunity, that fundamental right, is in our ability to exercise our right to vote and to make all of our voices heard.
“One of my favorite quotes, and one that my husband and I have referred to often, is from Kate Sheppard, a leader in the suffragist movement in New Zealand, who said, ‘Do not think your single vote does not matter much. The rain that refreshes the parched ground is made up of single drops,’” Markle continued. “That is why I vote.”