The polls close in Missouri at 7 PM, just under three hours from now. That's just a few more hours to make a difference and help turn Missouri blue. Volunteers across the state have been working all day to ensure that everyone has the information they need to get to the polls. Below are some shots from across the St. Louis area, capturing just a slice of this massive effort.
The direct voter contact these volunteers are engaging in is the best way to motivate people to get out to vote in these final hours, and that's something we simply can't accomplish without you. It's going to be tight here in the Show Me State, so every single vote is critical. Join volunteers in your area for this final push and help us make history.
If you have any questions about the voting process, need to find your polling location or simply want to report something you observed at the polls call (314) 361-0700. A team of dedicated volunteers are waiting on your call.
It's 6 a.m. and the polls are now open in Missouri. After months and months of preparation, it all comes down to today. Get out there and vote, and make sure your friends and family do the same. Before you do though, here's a brief video that explains many of your rights as a voter in Missouri. Look it over and pass it out to your friends so we can ensure that everyone's voice is heard today.
The polls open in just a few short hours, and once they do all the attention will move towards ensuring that people get out to vote. Before we shift completely into election day, it helps to take one more look at the sort of stories that have fueled this movement.
One such story comes courtesy of Wes Shoemyer, a third generation family farmer and local state Senator residing just outside Clarence, MO. Take a moment to watch as he and his family harvest the annual soybean crop while he shares his story, and views on why Barack will help promote independent family farms and bolster the rural economy. Once you've finished, take action in your own community. Help get out the vote and drive this campaign to victory here in Missouri and across the nation.
With less than 24 hours to go until the polls close in Missouri, the ground game is in full force. Volunteers have poured into the Show Me State in recent days, eager to assist the existing local teams with the critical task of getting out the vote. One of those people is John W. from California.Yesterday he shared some thoughts from his first day canvassing in downtown St. Louis.
Today was my first day working for the Obama campaign in St Louis, and my team worked three "turfs" in the inner city, making sure that the voters knew where to go to vote, what to bring to the polls, and where to go if they needed help.When I described the neighborhoods that we worked to my parents (who live here) they were terrified. Apparently these are some of the worst neighborhoods in the city, but everyone we talked to was so happy to see a team of volunteers for Obama. From white haired women in their 70s to the 18 year old young men, and everyone in between, they were all so excited about the opportunity to vote for Obama. The children on some streets were chanting along with us as we went door to door, letting their parents know we were coming.Tomorrow, more of the same, and I can't wait to get out there again.Tuesday, we get everyone to the polls.
Today was my first day working for the Obama campaign in St Louis, and my team worked three "turfs" in the inner city, making sure that the voters knew where to go to vote, what to bring to the polls, and where to go if they needed help.
When I described the neighborhoods that we worked to my parents (who live here) they were terrified. Apparently these are some of the worst neighborhoods in the city, but everyone we talked to was so happy to see a team of volunteers for Obama. From white haired women in their 70s to the 18 year old young men, and everyone in between, they were all so excited about the opportunity to vote for Obama. The children on some streets were chanting along with us as we went door to door, letting their parents know we were coming.
Tomorrow, more of the same, and I can't wait to get out there again.
Tuesday, we get everyone to the polls.
Follow John's lead and become a part of historic movement. It's not too late -- in fact your time has never meant more. We need every single minute you can give, so sign up now to help in your area on election day. Together we will turn Missouri blue.
Last Thursday, Barack spoke to an overflow crowd that exceeded 40,000 at the University of Missouri in Columbia. We documented parts of that experience last week, but wanted to share with you some powerful footage from that event. In it, Barack discusses the need for people across Missouri to take ownership over this process in the final days; especially the younger generation, which came out in force that night.
Now this change I'm talking about won't be easy and it won't be quick. But it's time -- I look at this younger generation, and you especially know that it's time.
He also offered a word of caution, against complacency and arrogance "Don't believe for a second that this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power concedes anything." Instead he argued that we must push to overcome. Digging down deep and working to the very end. If in these final days you "knock on some doors for me, make some calls for me..." we will be victorious and finally bring about the change we so desperately need.
So watch the clip below and if you haven't already, sign up to volunteer in your area during these critical final hours of the election.
Joe Biden and his wife Jill are about to speak at Longview Community College in Lee's Summit. The program is slated to begin sometime after 9:30 a.m. and will be streamed live in the feed below. Feel free to post your thoughts about the event in the comments section, and if you haven't already, sign up to help in these critical final hours of the campaign.
This event has concluded. Be sure to continue to check mo.barackobama.com for the latest campaign updates.
Earlier this week, Senator Claire McCaskill took some time out of her day to record a message to you and all the other Obama supporters across the Show Me State. Please take a moment to view it and consider getting involved in these final days. Missouri is as close as any state in this race, and it is the efforts of people like you that will put us over the top.
So find your polling place if you're unsure where to vote and get involved today.
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Last night, Barack Obama spoke to an overflow crowd gathered at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Students from eighteen colleges across the state took buses to show their support with Mizzou students and area residents gathered on the Mel Carnahan Quad.
During his speech, Barack discussed his vision for restoring economy and the chance that people in Missouri have to fundamentally change politics in this country. He drew sharp contrasts with Senator McCain and did not shy away from describing what a McCain presidency would bring.
If you want to know where Sen. McCain will drive the economy, just look in the rear view mirror... John McCain has ridden shotgun with George Bush, every step of the way.
Summing up the critical nature of this home stretch, Barack asked that everyone in attendance find the time to get to a local campaign for change office to make calls and knock doors. In his view, that effort will be the key to victory not only here in Missouri but across the nation.
Ultimately it all boiled down to this simple statement: "I have two words for you tonight... five days."
Your efforts have never been more essential. Sign up now to get involved in these final four days.
A short time ago, Peachy Myers, Field Director for Barack's Campaign for Change in Missouri sent out the following call to action. Please read it over and consider volunteering some of your time in these critical final days.
In all but one election since 1904, Missouri has voted for the winning presidential candidate. This year, we have to make sure that candidate is Barack Obama. If history is any guide, the Show Me state could make the difference. And the best way to help Barack win this crucial swing state is to work with your local volunteer team. Barack founded this campaign on grassroots organizing, and that's what it's going to come down to in Missouri. If supporters like you help get out the vote, Barack's going to win on Election Day. Will you sign up right now to talk with voters in your community and do your part to put our country back on track? Barack often talks about "the fierce urgency of now." Well, if ever there was urgency to act, this is the moment. There's no time left to lose. We have only 6 days left to make sure we don't face another 4 years of failed Bush-McCain policies and politics. A couple of hours could change this country for years to come. Sign up now to join your team between November 1st and November 4th and make sure voters get to the polls: http://mo.barackobama.com/MOnovembervol Thanks for everything you're doing, Peachy Peachy Myers Field Director Missouri Campaign for Change
There are thousands of dedicated volunteers across the state of Missouri. Each one approaches talking to voters in their own way, but few as uniquely as Jim in Willow Springs. Check out the video below to see how Jim has become the talk of the town simply by bringing together his desire to help Obama and his love of horses.
The grassroots movement for change in Missouri is fueled by the efforts of everyday people like Jim, but he can't do it alone. We need your help in these final days to ensure that the Show Me State turns bright blue on November 4th and that Barack Obama becomes the next president of the United States. Sign up today -- Your efforts could make all the difference.
This Thursday, October 30th, please join Barack Obama in Columbia, where he will talk about his vision for creating the kind of change we need.
Change We Need Rally with Barack Obama University of Missouri Mel Carnahan Quad Off of Conley Ave. Columbia, MO Thursday, October 30th Doors Open: 7:30 p.m. Program Begins: 9:30 p.m.
http://mo.barackobama.com/ColumbiaChange
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however an RSVP is strongly encouraged. For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.
For more information about voting for Barack in Missouri: http://mo.voteforchange.com
Today marks the annual homecoming celebration at University of Missouri. As one might expect, the energy around the stadium is palpable. The streets of Columbia are filled with fans, and the tail gate parties are in full swing.Still, football isn't the only thing on people's minds these days. With the general election just ten days away, and the economy struggling, many people are also eagerly awaiting a chance to turn the page and bring real change to Missouri. That desire to shift the direction of this country is what motivated a group of dedicated students to wake up early and go march in support of Barack in the annual homecoming parade. They were joined in their efforts by members of the Boone County Democrats, along with other supporters from the surrounding community. Waving their signs, passing out stickers and collecting supporter cards as they walked, they managed to sign up many new volunteers to help get out the vote in these final days and turn Mid-Missouri bright blue.This march was just the beginning of today's activities. With the big game kicking off at 5:30 this evening, the volunteer efforts are still in full swing. As we speak, students and area supporters are canvassing the crowd gathered outside Memorial Stadium and working to fill volunteer shifts for the lead up to election day. If you're in the area, please feel free to join them, but even if you're not you can still help. In these final days, the efforts of supporters like you is more important than ever. If you haven't already, sign up to join a neighborhood team in your area, or drop by your local Campaign for Change office. No previous experience is required and every bit of effort helps push Barack closer to victory in the Show Me State -- So get involved today.
Today marks the annual homecoming celebration at University of Missouri. As one might expect, the energy around the stadium is palpable. The streets of Columbia are filled with fans, and the tail gate parties are in full swing.
Still, football isn't the only thing on people's minds these days. With the general election just ten days away, and the economy struggling, many people are also eagerly awaiting a chance to turn the page and bring real change to Missouri. That desire to shift the direction of this country is what motivated a group of dedicated students to wake up early and go march in support of Barack in the annual homecoming parade. They were joined in their efforts by members of the Boone County Democrats, along with other supporters from the surrounding community. Waving their signs, passing out stickers and collecting supporter cards as they walked, they managed to sign up many new volunteers to help get out the vote in these final days and turn Mid-Missouri bright blue.
This march was just the beginning of today's activities. With the big game kicking off at 5:30 this evening, the volunteer efforts are still in full swing. As we speak, students and area supporters are canvassing the crowd gathered outside Memorial Stadium and working to fill volunteer shifts for the lead up to election day. If you're in the area, please feel free to join them, but even if you're not you can still help. In these final days, the efforts of supporters like you is more important than ever. If you haven't already, sign up to join a neighborhood team in your area, or drop by your local Campaign for Change office. No previous experience is required and every bit of effort helps push Barack closer to victory in the Show Me State -- So get involved today.
Just a short time ago, Missouri State Director Buffy Wicks sent out the following e-mail highlighting Barack's visit to the state. It features a footage from this past weekend and lays the work that lies ahead. We shattered records on Saturday, read on to find out how you can help make history...
Dear John, When Barack came to Missouri this past weekend, the response was simply stunning. 100,000 people rallied with Barack at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis Saturday morning, and 75,000 more in Kansas City later that day -- a single-day record for this campaign. We put together a short video so you can see the energy and enthusiasm at the rallies. Check out the video, then get involved to help turn all this enthusiasm into action. These incredible displays of support for Barack's message of change come at a time when the McCain campaign continues hitting the airwaves with false smears and overwhelms home phones with nasty robocalls. But on Saturday, you sent a loud and clear message that Obama supporters in Missouri are ready for change this November. You should be proud of that, and of our state's special role -- Missouri has voted for the winner of every presidential election but one in the past 100 years. Now that there are just 14 days left until Election Day, it's up to us to help Barack win Missouri by working even harder to get out the vote. Sign up now to volunteer and make a difference this weekend: http://mo.barackobama.com/MOhistory Supporters like you proved this weekend that here in Missouri, there is huge enthusiasm for Barack. Help us turn that energy into action. Thanks for all that you do, Buffy Buffy Wicks Missouri State Director Obama for America Visit: http://MO.BarackObama.com | Email: Missouri@BarackObama.com
Dear John, When Barack came to Missouri this past weekend, the response was simply stunning. 100,000 people rallied with Barack at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis Saturday morning, and 75,000 more in Kansas City later that day -- a single-day record for this campaign. We put together a short video so you can see the energy and enthusiasm at the rallies. Check out the video, then get involved to help turn all this enthusiasm into action.
These incredible displays of support for Barack's message of change come at a time when the McCain campaign continues hitting the airwaves with false smears and overwhelms home phones with nasty robocalls. But on Saturday, you sent a loud and clear message that Obama supporters in Missouri are ready for change this November. You should be proud of that, and of our state's special role -- Missouri has voted for the winner of every presidential election but one in the past 100 years. Now that there are just 14 days left until Election Day, it's up to us to help Barack win Missouri by working even harder to get out the vote. Sign up now to volunteer and make a difference this weekend: http://mo.barackobama.com/MOhistory Supporters like you proved this weekend that here in Missouri, there is huge enthusiasm for Barack. Help us turn that energy into action. Thanks for all that you do, Buffy Buffy Wicks Missouri State Director Obama for America
Word of Barack's visit to Missouri yesterday has spread far and wide. Record shattering crowds came out to show their support and hear his vision for America, sending a powerful message across the nation that citizens of the Show Me State are ready for change. Barack wasn't the only prominent visitor in the state this weekend.
Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Joe Biden, has been traveling across Missouri the past four days, talking to volunteers, supporters and undecided voters in every corner of the state; From Joplin to Cape Girardeau, Hillsboro to St. Peters, and so many other areas. Today she finished up her tour in the Kansas City area, visiting an office in St Joseph and an Oktoberfest celebration in Excelsior Springs before dropping by a Neighborhood Team Leader training in Kansas City.
Before giving her remarks in K.C., Dr. Biden was introduced by a former public school principal named Earline. During her introduction, Earline discussed how her school had utilized a team based model, quite similar to the one being employed by the Campaign for Change here in Missouri, in order to overhaul the system to ensure that the educational experience was working for both students and teachers alike. She then began to discuss how powerful it has been for her to be a part of this campaign.
When I was a child, John F. Kennedy said 'ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country'. When I heard that, I felt like he was talking to me directly; calling me to action. I didn't feel that way again until this campaign… Barack Obama and Joe Biden have backed women throughout their careers, and that's no more evident than in the women they married… and one of them is standing here today: Dr. Jill Biden
With that, the room erupted with applause and Jill stepped to the fore, thanking the crowd for their warm reception as she took the microphone. The volunteers had barely sat back down before Jill launched into the importance of their efforts "What you're doing now here in Missouri and what others are doing in Virginia, in North Carolina, the so-called red states, will be studied for years to come." She discussed why this is such an important time for our country, highlighting what she's seen as a teacher at a community college.
I still teach four days a week at a community college, because I believe in the value of a good, affordable education. People are eager to learn, but over the past eight years, I've watched my students run into more and more obstacles. Not coming to office hours because it costs too much to fill up their tank. Not buying the books because it's too much for their limited budget.
Jill closed with a call to action, hammering home the importance of not taking a single vote for granted. "Keep making your calls, and knocking doors. Talk to your friends, and neighbors. This simply is too important to let up now."
"The time is right for Barack Obama." -- Chris Phillips, Warsaw, Missouri
The state of Missouri is a microcosm of America, and it has the distinction having voted for the winning president in every election since 1960, and all but once since the dawn of the 20th century. This is something that Barack Obama is keenly aware of, and it's why he's invested so much in the Show Me State during the course of this campaign.
In late July of this year, he took a bus tour through the heart of Southwest Missouri and much of the Ozarks, rolling through the towns of Springfield, Rolla, Lebanon and Union. Barack's message at the time was the same as it is now: our country cannot afford four more years of Bush's failed economic policies -- policies that have rewarded the wealthy, and put a strain on working class families.
On the tour Barack spoke about "Economic Security," and it goes without saying that we've seen our economy go from bad to worse since last summer.
This Saturday, Barack returns to Missouri. This time he'll be stopping off in St. Louis and Kansas City, holding rallies to promote the change we need. He'll start the day speaking in front of the prolific Gateway Arch, and then address a crowd of supporters at the Liberty Memorial in KCMO. If you're in the Kansas City or St. Louis areas, be sure to RSVP for these exciting events.
In the meantime, here's a video recap of Barack's town hall meetings and from his last trip through Missouri on Interstate 44, talking about the change this country needs:
In the wake of the their successful tour of much of the Ozarks last week, Senator Jean Carnahan and Betty Ann McCaskill, set out today on a swing through the northern part of the Show Me State. They kicked things off early this afternoon with a stop at the Campaign for Change office in Macon. While there they took the opportunity to hop on the phones with local volunteers and reach out to undecided women voters. Tonight, the Senator Carnahan and Betty Ann, mother of current Senator Claire McCaskill, will join supporters in Kirksville to watch the third and final Presidential debate. It takes place at Truman State College and commences at 8 PM. The details are as follows:Truman State UniversityHUB in the Student Union Building100 East NormalKirksville, MO 63501Keep checking mo.barackobama.com for exciting news on more events across the state in the coming days.
In the wake of the their successful tour of much of the Ozarks last week, Senator Jean Carnahan and Betty Ann McCaskill, set out today on a swing through the northern part of the Show Me State. They kicked things off early this afternoon with a stop at the Campaign for Change office in Macon. While there they took the opportunity to hop on the phones with local volunteers and reach out to undecided women voters.
Tonight, the Senator Carnahan and Betty Ann, mother of current Senator Claire McCaskill, will join supporters in Kirksville to watch the third and final Presidential debate. It takes place at Truman State College and commences at 8 PM.
The details are as follows:
Truman State UniversityHUB in the Student Union Building100 East NormalKirksville, MO 63501
Keep checking mo.barackobama.com for exciting news on more events across the state in the coming days.
Jill Biden, Wife of Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden, To Make Three-Day Swing Through Missouri Beginning Friday, October 17
Biden Will Campaign in Columbia, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, St. Joseph, and Kansas City Areas
St. Louis, MO — Jill Biden, the wife of Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden, will make her first trip to Missouri this week, traveling across the state to talk with voters about what’s at stake for families who are struggling to make ends meet during increasingly challenging economic times.
Dr. Biden, a Professor of English at Delaware Technical and Community College, will spend Friday in the Columbia and St. Louis areas, including stops in St. Charles, St. Louis, and Jefferson Counties; on Saturday, Dr. Biden will travel through the Cape Girardeau, Springfield, and Joplin areas; she will wrap up her tour of Missouri on Sunday with stops in the St. Joseph and Kansas City areas.
Just last week, Joe Biden spent two days in Missouri, holding events in St. Joseph, Liberty, Jefferson City, and Springfield. Specific information about Jill Biden’s trip will be released later this week.
Jill Biden, Wife of Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden, To Campaign In Missouri Friday, October 17 – Sunday, October 19
FRIDAY, OCT. 17: Events in the Columbia area, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Jefferson Counties
SATURDAY, OCT 18: Events in the Cape Girardeau, Springfield, and Joplin areas
SUNDAY, OCT 19: Events in the St. Joseph and Kansas City areas
More details on Jill Biden’s schedule will be released later this week.
Voter registration in Missouri may have ended last week, but the battle for the Show Me State is far from over. Young voters will play an especially important role in the electoral process here, as their registration numbers have jumped and the effects of their energetic volunteer efforts through Election Day could help boost turn out.
One person who is acutely aware of that fact is Chris Walla. Chris is the guitarist and producer for the popular musical act, Death Cab for Cutie. Yesterday, he took the opportunity to stop by Saint Louis and Washington University, before his group took the stage at the Fox Theater. As students gathered just outside the Busch Student Center at SLU, Chris shared what led him to take an active role in this campaign.
I saw Barack speak at the Democratic Convention four years ago, and it awakened something in me. I've always voted, and while I tend to lean towards the Democratic side of things, I vote for the candidate not the party… but I was still a passive observer to the process. This campaign has changed that.
After he finished sharing his thoughts, Chris encouraged the crowd to join him in engaging other students on campus. About a dozen Saint Louis University students gathered around him, and after passing around some literature, they set out to storm the dorms.
Once inside, Chris and his crew quickly found that while many students were off studying for midterms, the residents they did talk to were quite willing to engage in conversation. One of the first students they met was still torn on who she would support.
To be honest there are things I like about both candidates, and things I'm not so keen on as well. I'm undecided really; I just want to take in all the facts before I make my decision. Make sure I'm voting for the right person for the right reasons.
Chris and his crew were totally understanding of this. "It's honestly refreshing to see someone who takes their time and is really sifting through the clutter" Chris remarked before asking about some of her concerns. Like many Missouri residents, the economy and healthcare were two of her top issues. Chris indicated that Barack's policies for both were a huge step in the right direction. Healthcare in particular was a big thing for Chris, and he sought to clarify some of the common misconceptions about Barack's plan.
He's talking about quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans. This isn't socialized medicine or any of that. I've been unfortunate enough to have to visit a hospital in Canada. Believe me, it's not fun. Barack's not talking about nationalizing the system; he's seeking to add competition and driving down costs. If you currently have a doctor you like and an insurance package you're happy with, you can keep it and your costs will still go down. That's the beauty of it.
The student nodded and agreed to take some literature, with the special request he sign it. Chris smiled and obliged, scribbling the words "Good luck with your decision… Vote November 4th" just above his signature.
Help grow the movement, join the Students for Obama group on your campus today!
