Posted by: Riikka

5 Feb 2008

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Minnesotans will play a role in this year’s historic Super Tuesday. And the effort to get voters to the caucuses, especially young voters, is underway.

Driving voters to the caucuses isn’t easy, but high above Interstate 394, Ben Friesen was doing his best Monday afternoon. While standing on a pedestrian bridge, Friesen held an Obama sign. Many honked as they drove by.

“Tomorrow’s a huge day,” Friesen said. “If Obama has a good night, it’s gonna be important.”

On Super Tuesday Eve, the get-out-the-vote effort was on. And more than ever, campaigns are focusing on young voters.

Young voters in Minnesota broke records four years ago when the state led the nation in young voter turnout.

Two young celebrities, Scarlett Johansson and Kal Penn spoke to an auditorium of students at the University of Minnesota Monday night. They both support Obama, but above all, they wanted to get students politically active.

“I just want to let you guys know how incredible it is you all turned out here,” Johansson said. “What an important impact the youth vote has made so far.”

A couple blocks away, young and old filled Northrup Auditorium to rally for Republican Ron Paul. About 4,000 people attended the rally.

“It proves that old adage that I have said many times: freedom is popular,” Rep. Paul told the crowd. “But now we know freedom is popular in Minnesota!”

Senator Hillary Clinton’s supporters gathered in St. Paul Monday night to watch her live, interactive town hall meeting. Clinton answered questions from voters in 22 Super Tuesday cities, including St. Paul.

“I just want to learn a little more about her,” said Tanya Heltemes, who is firmly behind Clinton following her rally Sunday in Minneapolis.

The caucuses start at 7 p.m. Tuesday night. The meetings aren’t just about choosing candidates. They’re also about discussing other party business, including platforms.

Registration for the DFL caucus starts at 6:30 p.m. and you can vote in the presidential race from 6:30 to 8 p.m. At 8 p.m., preference ballots will be tallied and certified by the caucus.

Source: Kare11

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