The US voter registration system recorded a huge spike in numbers following Taylor Swift’s decision to support two Democratic candidates.

Swift sent out a post to her 112million Instagram followers, offering her support and fight towards LGBTQ rights, gender equity in a bid to end what she described as “terrifying, sickening and prevalent” racism in the US.

The move is Swift’s first into politics, breaking a long period of silence on the subject. “In the past I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now,” Swift wrote on Sunday. “I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of colour is terrifying, sickening and prevalent,” she continued.

Focusing her attention on the Senate race in Tennessee specifically, Swift explained how she normally votes in favour of women in office but distanced herself from the Republican Senate candidate, Marsha Blackburn: “I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin colour, gender or who they love.”

Now, as the state’s deadline for voter registration is today (9th October), the registration system explained the sudden impact of Swift’s support. Of the 5,183 registrations in Tennessee signed up for the entire month, at least 2,144 occurred moments after Swift stepped in.

Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen has since thanked Swift for her support, “Thank you for the kind words, Taylor Swift,” he wrote. “I’m honoured to have your support and that of so many Tennesseans who are ready to put aside the partisan shouting and get things done. We’re ready for it.”