Update 14: 7:26pm PT Fremont Staging Location
Even though the polls are closed in many states, the volunteers at the Fremont staging location are still working hard to get out the vote. The room is buzzing as workers call Washington State voters, reminding them that there's still time to vote for Barack Obama, Chris Gregoire, and other local Democrats.
When I asked Michael Maddux why he's volunteering for the campaign, he responded, "As a former Hillary supporter, I think it's essential that we have a comprehensive health care plan. Senator Obama will make sure that everyone gets the care they deserve."
Volunteer Amy Klosterman says that she doesn't mind the long hours on the campaign. "I'm happy to work into the night because Governor Gregoire really needs our support in the final minutes. Even though polls are closed in other states, we have to continue our efforts to ensure that Barack Obama has a strong partner in Washington State."
Matteo Griffin is a regional organizer who has been working with the campaign since August. He said, "Obama speaks to me. What makes him different is that he truly wants to see a better world. He believes in change and is willing to do what it takes to put our country on the right course."
Polls are open until 8pm and Governor Gregoire and needs everyone to go to a polling location and make their voice heard. Remember, if you are in the parking lot by 8pm, you have the right to vote. Find your polling location now at voteforchange.com.
Update 13: 7pm PT – 25th Avenue Northeast
On our way back to the car after our visit to the Terry Hall polling location, we bumped into a passionate supporter braving the torrential Seattle rains to show her support for Senator Obama. “Come rain, come sleet, come anything Seattle can throw at me, I’m out here showing my support for Barack Obama. I know he’ll do anything for our country, so I’m willing to brave some weather to help him.”
The polls are open for another hour, so please encourage your friends and family to vote. It’s not too late to ensure victory in Washington State for Senator Obama and Governor Gregoire – go to voteforchange.com
Next, stop: Fremont staging location
University of Washington students are coming out in droves to vote at the Terry Hall polling location. For many students, this is their first time voting and they can't wait to cast their ballot for Senator Obama. The dorm windows above the polling place were full of Obama signs and many students proudly displayed buttons or t-shirts in support of Senator Obama. "I can't wait to finally be able to mark my ballot for Barack Obama," said UW Senior Janice J. "I've been volunteering since last spring and I'm so excited to see all the hard work pay off."
When asked what advice she has for fellow Obama supporters she urges, "Make sure you keep pushing your friends and family to go to the polls. They're open for 2.5 more hours and Senator Obama and Governor Gregoire need every vote!"
Make sure you follow Janice's advice and encourage your friends and family to get to the polls to vote for Senator Obama, Governor Gregoire, and Democrats up and down the ticket. Though polls are closing on the East Coast, make sure you and your friends go to the polls before 8pm! Remember, if you are in the parking lot by 8pm, you have the right to vote. If you experience any problems at the polls, call 877-WA-CHANGE.
Find your polling location at www.voteforchange.com.
Update 11: 4:15pm PT University of Washington Student UnionBefore we reached the University of Washington polling location, we stopped by the cafe to get some coffee - after all, that's what Seattle is known for. We were greeted by Ashley who was wearing an Obama T-shirt. She saw our Obama gear and was sure to remind us to get to the polls. We told her we were headed over there.
Next stop: University of Washington Polling Location
Update 10: 3:55pm PT Red Square at the University of WashingtonOn route to the University of Washington Polling location, we were greeted by an interesting scene. We stopped by the University of Washington to interview students about why they support Barack Obama, so you can imagine our surprise when we bumped into a stroller holding two Obama-clad youngsters in the middle of Red Square. Sisters Robin Goodman and Nikkole Jennings brought their children to Red Square to help get out the vote on the UW campus. "My sister Robin has been involved in the campaign since the beginning so she convinced me to take the day off work to support Obama. I know the youth vote is essential, so we're out here doing what we can to remind students to vote and encourage them to vote Democrat," said Nikkole.When I asked Robin why she's voting for Senator Obama she laughed and replied, "Why wouldn't you?""We're hopeful for change," she continued. "Through his actions, Senator Obama inspires us to do more ourselves."
To help get out the vote like Robin and Nikkole visit my.barackobama.com/novvolunteers.
Next Stop: University of Washington Polling Location
Update 9: 3:18pm PT Suzzallo Cafe, University of Washington It is a commonly held belief that if students vote, then Democrats will win. In the next stop of our route, we've come to the University of Washington to document the work that students are doing to get out the vote. It takes just five minutes on this campus to see that these students are fired up and ready to go. At the Suzzallo Cafe, dozens of students have put on their Obama shirts and charged their cell phones to help get out the vote amongst their fellow students. "I'm volunteering in this campaign because I can not stand eight more years of these policies. They've really underestimated the passion among students. We truly understand the importance of voting in this election," said UW student Jenny Revak.UW Students for Obama founder Jed Bradley added, "I've been volunteering for over a year because I saw something in Barack Obama that I haven't seen in any other candidate. The student turnout has been phenomenal thus far, and I have full faith in students across this campus to go out and vote."Check out these pictures of Students of doing visibility and phonebanking for Senator Obama:
Update 8: 2:45pm PT - University of Washington Bookstore Parking LotDemocratic pride can be found everywhere! While parking at the University of Washington Bookstore we ran into Nasar Ibrahim, a parking attendant who was proudly displaying his Obama/Gregoire button. He waited in line for 30 minutes early this morning to vote before heading to work. "I support Senator Obama and Governor Gregoire because they believe in the middle class. They know that working people like me are the backbone of America and our government should represent us, not the wealthy corporations."
Make sure your friends and family vote as well. Help them find their polling location by going to www.voteforchange.comNext up: Suzallo Cafe at the University of Washington
Update 7: 2pm PT - Tell Us Your Story Have you voted already? Did you volunteer for the campaign here in Washington State? Tell us about your experience and why you support Senator Obama! Leave a comment below! If you have any questions about voting or you want to report any problems that you are seeing at the polls, call 877-WA-CHANGE. Polls are open for another 7 hours. So help us get out the vote by going to http://my.barackobama.com/novvolunteersWe're on our way to the University of Washington now. Check in for updates!
Update 6: 12:29pm PT- Washington State Campaign for Change HeadquartersVolunteers are flooding the Washington State Campaign for Change Headquarters to help ensure a victory for Barack Obama and Chris Gregoire. The office is filled with supporters young and old, making calls to encourage their fellow Washingtonians to vote for change.Ethan Schaffer is volunteering because he "wants to see a change in the government. I'm taking the day off work to make sure that we see a Gregoire/Obama victory." He adds with a smile, "90% of the people I've talked to are voting Obama."Reena Koshy became involved in the campaign after spending the last two years working in New Zealand. "Living abroad, I could see that America was heading in the wrong direction. Respect for the US was faltering and it was clear that we needed to change course. When Senator Obama is elected he will make our country stronger and a more responsible member of the global community." When asked why she's volunteering today, Reena replied, "Why wouldn't I be? I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be."Even though he's too young to vote, 14-year old Harry Page-Salisbury is spending the day volunteering at the Seattle Headquarters. "I agree with what Barack Obama says in his speeches. It's exciting to spread his message to other voters."
Next up: we go back to college and visit the polling location on the University of Washington campus.
Update 5: 11:20am PT- South Lake Union Visibility SiteEven those too young to vote are showing their Election Day excitement. At the South Lake Union visibility site, dozens of elementary school children were participating in a real life Civics lesson by encouraging passersby to vote. Check out the pictures below to see these future statesmen in action!
Update 4: 11:05am PT Seattle Central Community College Polling LocationThe Seattle Central Community College polling location was packed with students and community members casting their votes.First time voters Jessica Placides and Brooke Williams were thrilled to participate in their first Election Day. Not wanting to stop at simply casting a vote, they stayed at the poll and encouraged people who walked by to stop in and submit their ballots. Both are Obama supporters and expressed excitement about getting to cast their first votes for Senator Obama. "He connects with people," stated Brooke Williams. "It's time for us to see change in this country and he's the candidate to bring it." "He's really inspirational," said Jessica Placides. "I think he'll make life better for every American and I'm so excited to see him elected President in just a few hours!"The sun may have ducked behind a few clouds but we've got some bright faces to perk up the day.
Next stop: Visibility location in South Lake Union
Update 3: 10:10am "The Baltic Room" Staging LocationA vibrant example of the grassroots nature of this campaign can be found here at "The Baltic Room" Staging Location. This hip, Capital Hill coffee shop has been transformed into a one-stop Obama shop, filled with volunteers. Many are preparing to canvass the surrounding neighborhood; others are signing up to drive voters to the polls. Dozens more are spread throughout the café– huddled in corner banquettes, at tables, or standing at the counter– cell phones in hand calling as many voters as possible.New friendships are being created over cups of coffee and shared table space, as Obama supporters from all over the city convene to spread our message of change.Julie Farago took the day off of work to volunteer for the first time because "If I was in the office I'd just be obsessively checking the news. I'm much more productive here." Her friend Kenny Wolf agrees, "I've volunteered and given money in the past but I wanted to know that I did everything I could to elect Senator Obama."The sun has finally come out and The Baltic Room is bustling. Also, a new stock of oranges and bagels just came through the door. Join a staging location near you by going to: http://my.barackobama.com/novvolunteers
Check out the photos here:
Next up: Seattle Central Community College Polling Location.
Update 2: 8:58am Seattle Center Polling Location
The polling location in the Northwest Rooms at Seattle Center has been bustling since before dawn. When polls opened at 7:00am, there was already a line down the block with hundreds of voters waiting to make their voices heard. "This is a historic day," said one Obama supporter. "I've been waiting almost two years to cast my vote for Barack Obama. He's going to do so much for us when he's President, I'm glad I can do something for him by giving him my vote."Sprits ran high as hundreds of voters cycled through the polling place, proudly displaying their "I voted" stickers as they walked out. Another Obama supporter enthused, "I can't stop grinning. This is my first election and to have the opportunity to vote for a candidate I believe in so strongly is a joy."Even if you've already submitted your ballot, make sure you encourage your friends and family to vote for change. Help them find their polling place at www.voteforchange.com.
Next stop: Baltic Room Staging Location
Update 1: 7:45am Seattle HQ Office Election Day has arrived. The Seattle office is filled with energy and excitement as hundreds of volunteers have flooded into campaign headquarters to ensure an Obama-Biden victory. They received walk packets to go out into neighborhoods and knock on doors. “I can’t believe Election Day has arrived. I took the day off of work to make sure that Senator Obama is our next president. And I can guarantee, I’ll do whatever it takes to help him today,” said Jessica P. There are many opportunities to help the campaign throughout the day. It is crucial that we have as many people on the ground as possible to help voters get to the polls and talk with those who are still undecided. Sign up to volunteer now at http://www.barackobama.com/splash/volunteer.html Check in throughout the day to get more updates from the ground. It’s going to be an exciting day and we’ll be interviewing volunteers, canvassers, and local officials to give you the full story of this historic day.
Next Stop: Seattle Center Polling Place
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