ctress and singer Hilary Duff wants young people to vote, even though she is not old enough to do so herself.

Rapper Sean “P. Diddy” Combs has been modeling his Vote or Die T-shirt and reminding young people to vote during public service announcements that interrupt shows on MTV.

And even though Andre 3000 of OutKast will be voting for the first time this year, he wants other young people to follow his lead.

Some celebrities have become active in encouraging young people to vote during the months leading to the presidential election. But opinions vary on whether the familiar faces actually make a difference.

Nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations are hoping the celebrities’ efforts will pay off in this year’s election.

But celebrities may not influence some people to vote in the election or to vote for a particular candidate.

Famous people can be influential to their young fans. But it is important for them to set an example this election year, said Christy Salcido, communications director for Declare Yourself.

She said Declare Yourself, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, tries to recruit celebrities who will inspire young people to vote and go to the polls themselves on Nov. 2.

Though many of the 25 to 30 celebrities involved with Declare Yourself are first-time voters, they are still setting an example for voters by getting involved after recognizing that their indifference was a problem, Salcido said.

“I think they should consider it as celebrities are normal people as well,” she said. “They can make mistakes as well.”

For some, the familiar faces of celebrities can be very influential when young people make decisions about going to the polls.

“For some reason, people look up to celebrities and admire them and their voices are heard and the publicity is always with them,” said Patti Johnson, Student Government Association president.

Greenville junior Briana Scroggins said celebrities may encourage people to vote, but they have not changed her opinion.

“I planned on voting the same way, with or without the coverage,” she said.

Saundra Ardrey, political science department head, said celebrities have always been an integral part of election campaigns.

“You always try to bring out the young and the beautiful,” she said.

Ardrey met Ben Affleck and Ashton Kutcher while at the Democratic National Convention. She said they seemed to be dedicated to helping young people get educated and vote, she said.

“I think the celebrities that are on the campaign trail are sincere and will go out and vote,” Ardrey said.

People may be encouraged to vote by their favorite celebrities, said Emily White, a freshman from Celina, Tenn. But celebrities are only expressing their opinions when promoting a certain candidate.

“I don’t think it really matters if they do anything or not,” White said.

Voters still need to continue educating themselves about the candidates and issues, Salcido said.

“To actually register to vote is one thing, but you have to actually show up at the polls on Tuesday,” she said.

Reach Ashlee Clark at news@wkuherald.com.