Shaquille O’Neal Admits to Never Voting In The U.S. Election

At the risk of being “roasted” for being honest, former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal publicly confessed to voting for the first time.

As presidential music played in the background of The Big Podcast,  O’Neal revealed, “I voted for the first time, and it feels good.” 

Co-host John Kincade chimed in, “I can’t believe it!” before adding he was surprised O’Neal had not voted in a previous election. 

O’Neal continued, “You know I always like being honest on my podcast. I’ve never voted before, America, but now I am doing all these voting campaigns, and you know one thing I never like to do is be a hypocrite.”

As an absentee voter, the former 48-year-old Los Angeles Lakers player went on to explain how to cast one’s ballot via mail. 

As the show continued, O’Neal admitted that he did not understand the concept of the Electoral College and the two discussed how the process of voting works in the United States. O’Neal, however, did not disclose who he voted for. 

Many stars are using their platforms to emphasize the importance of voting.

Actress Laura Dern shared a picture of a young Students Demand Action volunteer on her Instagram and encouraged her fans to get involved. 

Dern is joined by Big Freedia, Amy Schumer, and Julianne Moore who also let volunteers take over their social media platforms as a way to promote voting. Anti-gun violence movement volunteers affiliated with Students Demand Action and Moms Demand Action are also encouraging people to get involved in politics.

Along with O’Neal, rapper Snoop Dogg stated that this election also marks his first time voting. He recently partnered with the DNC (Democratic National Convention) for a new ad, “Drop It In The Box!,” an interpolation of his hit song, “Drop It Like It’s Hot!” 

“This is the most important election day of our lifetimes, and it’s my first time voting. We need every single American to get out there and vote. It’s time for ya’ll to drop those ballots like they’re hot – in your local drop box. Vote early, and let ‘em know our voices will be heard!” Snoop exclaimed. 

Samuel L. Jackson is also part of a new ad campaign in which he shows support for Democratic nominee, Joe Biden.  While giving a history lesson on voter suppression, he urges voters to cast their ballots as soon as they can. 

In the clip, Jackson shares headlines pertaining to voting issues, including President Trump’s recent efforts to thwart mail-in ballots.  He states, “New day, same dirty tricks. If your vote didn’t matter, they wouldn’t try so hard to take it from you.” 

While no one can predict the results of the election, it’s safe to say a record amount of ballots will be cast this November.