Actor Tom Hanks is joining former first lady Michelle Obama in promoting a voter registration drive ahead of this fall’s midterm elections.
Tom Hanks is set to headline a rally for the Obama-fronted nonprofit group “When We All Vote” this fall, PageSix reports. The group will hold rallies in multiple cities across America including Houston, Las Vegas, and Miami.
The group was started by Obama, Hanks, and Lin-Manuel Miranda in July, with an initially reported budget of about $8 million.
Because “When We All Vote” is organized as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, the star-studded speakers, like Hanks, a major Democratic donor, cannot endorse candidates or parties during their appearances. However, the involvement that Michelle Obama clearly indicates that this group is targeting progressive voters.
When We All Vote will kick off a “week of action” on Sept. 22., which will culminate with events promoting voter registration in conjunction with National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 25.
Hanks has also criticized President Trump, saying that Trump is trying to “denigrate” the media last December.
Michelle Obama also recently joined BET to promote voter registration for “women of color.”
“Women of color know how to get things done for our families, our communities, and our country. When we use our voices, people listen. When we lead, people follow,” she said.
Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama publicly went after Trump last week, calling him a “bully” and accusing him of “cozying up to the KGB.”
“We are Americans. We’re supposed to stand up to bullies. Not follow them,” Obama said. We’re supposed to stand up to discrimination. And we’re sure as heck supposed to stand up, clearly and unequivocally, to Nazi sympathizers.”