Actor Josh Duhamel is encouraging Minnesotans to make their voices heard in the upcoming midterm elections, by making a personal appeal to celebrate the state and emphasize the importance of voting.
In a video shared to Instagram, Duhamel addressed Minnesota residents directly, describing the state as “God’s country” and arguing that its future is worth protecting.
“I just wanted to take a second to remind you that the midterms are coming up,” he told followers on Oct. 28.
“This is such an important, such an important time. We have to get out there. We have to vote. Every single person.
“Minnesota is my second favorite state in the whole country, right behind North Dakota, but I absolutely love it there. It is God’s country. It is worth saving. It is absolutely worth saving.”
His message urged voters to participate regardless of their political preferences, with the actor calling for widespread turnout ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.
“I would never tell you who to vote for,” Duhamel added.
“It is a blessing that we get to get out there and pick who makes decisions for us.
“So please, everybody, let’s get 100 percent turnout. Everybody, please, vote in this year’s midterms. Go Viks! Woo!”
Born in Minot, North Dakota, the actor has spoken openly about his appreciation for rural life and the sense of perspective he gains from spending time away from Hollywood.
He also spent more than a decade building a cabin in Minnesota, where he can spend time with his family and enjoy outdoor activities. In previous interviews, Duhamel described the experience of living more simply, away from the distractions connected to being in the spotlight.
“Part of the reason I built my place out in Minnesota, deep in the woods, is it’s removed from everything,” he told Parade in an interview last year. “The closest store is 40 miles away. Once we get there, it’s really about everybody taking care of each other—making memories, spending time with family and friends.”
Duhamel shares 13-year-old son Axl Jack with his ex-wife and singer Fergie. He also has two children with wife Audra Mari, 2-year-old son Shepherd Lawrence and daughter Rocca de Leon, born in May.
“You really get a chance to get back to the basics,” he added. “You’re not consumed by all these other distractions. When you’re out there, it’s really about having fun, making sure everybody’s warm, everybody’s got food and water.”
Minnesota voters heading to the polls decide on several major races, including the governor’s contest between Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) candidate Amy Klobuchar, Republican Lisa Demuth, and Green Party candidate Steven Young.
The open U.S. Senate seat features DFL candidate Peggy Flanagan, Republican Michele Tafoya, independent Marisa Simonetti, and Libertarian Rebecca Whiting.
Voters will also choose among those running for the U.S. House, the Minnesota Legislature, attorney general, secretary of state, and state auditor, while considering a proposed constitutional amendment related to school funding. Judicial races and local contests may also appear on individual ballots, depending on where voters reside.
Duhamel did not endorse a specific candidate or political party in his message. However, some social media users interpreted his message as support for conservative candidates, while others disagreed with that sentiment.
