As part of a last-ditch effort by Democrats to win Alabama's US Senate seat in a special election, former President Barack Obama is imploring Alabama voters to reject Roy Moore, the Republican candidate dogged by sexual misconduct allegations.
Several women, including one who was 14 at the time, claim that Mr Moore sexually assaulted or had inappropriate contact with them decades ago. Mr Moore has vehemently denied the allegations.
Mr Obama recorded a phone message in recent days, according to CNN, in which he urges Alabamians to head to the polls on Tuesday.
“This one’s serious. You can’t sit it out,” he says, referring to the election.
Democratic candidate Doug Jones was out on the campaign trail over the weekend, appearing with multiple prominent black politicians, including New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.
“Doug Jones is a fighter for equality, for progress,” Mr Obama says in the call, CNN reported. “Doug will be our champion for justice. So get out and vote, Alabama.”
Mr Obama is said not to have mentioned Mr Moore by name.
The call marks Mr Obama's latest return to the political arena after having left office in January.
Ex-Vice President Joe Biden is also recording a robocall in support of Mr Jones, according to Politico.
While the former President is calling for Alabamians to vote for the Democratic, his successor is doing the opposite.
“We want jobs, jobs, jobs, so get out and vote for Roy Moore,” President Donald Trump told a cheering crowd on Friday in Pensacola, Florida - located about 25 miles from the Alabama border.
“We cannot afford - this country, the future of this country - cannot afford to lose a seat in the very very close United States Senate,” he said.
But not all Republicans have been pushing for Alabamians to vote for the controversial candidate.
“The state of Alabama deserves better,” said Alabama Senator Richard Shelby in an interview with CNN. Mr Shelby was the last Democrat elected to the Senate in Alabama, before he switched to the Republican party in 1994. He has has been a prominent face in the state's politics for 40 years.
“There's a time, we call it a tipping point, and I think so many accusations, so many cuts, so many drip, drip, drip, when it got to the 14-year-old story, that was enough for me. I said, I can't vote for Roy Moore,” Mr Shelby said.
