Misha Collins, a lead actor in the show "Supernatural," paid the University's Tempe campus a surprise visit today to encourage college students to vote.
"The amazing thing about Arizona State University is that there are almost 20,000 students here who are eligible to vote but who are not registered, and the election in Arizona will hinge on likely less than 20,000 votes," Collins said to a group of around 100 students and fans.
Collins was invited to speak on campus through Rise, an organization and soon-to-be club at ASU, that focuses on engaging Generation Z in social activism and lowering the cost of higher education.
According to Jordan Harb, a senior studying global studies and political science and ASU's lead campus organizer for Rise, Collins has been "advocating" at different colleges, including the University of Las Vegas. He reached out to Rise to speak at ASU about the Harris-Walz campaign, to discuss social issues and to spread the organization's message of college debt.
"Ultimately, education should be free all the way through college," Collins said. "The only way we're going to get there is if we keep fighting for it."
Collins arrived near the Hayden Library at a structure nicknamed the "Nipple of Knowledge" and invited students to raise their hands and promise to go to the polls on Nov. 5. He then answered questions from the audience about various issues that will be on the ballot.
READ MORE: What's on the ballot: A guide to Arizona's propositions for the November election
In response to a question from a student regarding abortion rights, Collins said it's important for people to notify loved ones to vote for the ballot initiative because "autonomy is on the ballot."
Collins was also asked about climate science and its relation to the election.
"It's critical to point out that Donald Trump has talked about climate change as a hoax," Collins said.
He added that the Harris-Walz campaign "have science in their corner," and they understand how crucial it is to take action against the issue.
Collins called the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act "the single most important piece of climate legislation in the history of the world."
In regards to LGBTQ+ and women's rights, Collins said "the right to do whatever the hell you want in the bedroom is on the ballot." He said the Republican Party has limited the rights of women to receive protection for reproductive rights, and they will continue to do the same with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
When asked about receiving free healthcare, Collins said healthcare is a privilege for "the wealthy and the elite."
"There's no reason there are some medications that Americans pay five times more than any other country in the world," Collins said. "That's something that Kamala Harris has talked about extensively and she will make that kind of access more universal."
Collins also said Harris would be a better candidate than Trump when it comes to the Israel-Palestine conflict. He said Donald Trump does not care about the civilians of Gaza in comparison to Harris, who has "repeatedly said that the death toll in Gaza is unacceptable."
Sharika Kapur, a junior studying sustainability, said the energy while Collins was speaking was "exciting," not only because students were able to meet Collins, but also because they were able to hear about and discuss his political opinions.
Collins emphasized the importance of college-age students voting, especially those who live in Arizona, which is a swing state.
"You here in Arizona, you have a lot of f---ing power, so use it. Please."
Edited by George Headley, Abigail Beck and Madeline Schmitke.
Reach the reporter at njarret1@asu.edu and @nataliajarrett on X.
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Natalia is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is her third semester with The State Press. She has also worked as a politics reporter.
