Today was the first official day of the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) effort for the Obama campaign. My role has morphed from being a GOTV helper to a GOTV fixer - I've been working with lots of different teams to help them get organized and focus on the key issues. Thankfully, I still have had some opportunites to reach out to potential voters directly and work with our volunteer leadership. Behind the scenes strategy, tactical and operational work is interesting, but I really enjoy being out in the field.
It has been great working with so many smart, motivated people. The campaign has done an incredible job during early voting. According to the State Board of Elections, more than 2.5 million people cast their ballots during the October 16th - November 1st early voting period, as of 3:45 pm today (Saturday). The lines were supposed to close at 1 pm today, but the State Board of Elections allowed counties to keep the polls open until 5 pm. I am stationed in Forsyth County and yesterday the local Board voted to follow the State's suggestion.
It was pretty amazing seeing the turnout today. For North Carolina, more than 40% of ALL registered voters have already voted. I have heard that news reports are saying that as many as 25% of registered voters across the country have already cast their ballots. I think we are on track for having a 65+% turnout and maybe we will reach 70% - realize that the last election where more than 70% of registered voters participated in a presidential election WAS IN 1900! So get out and vote on Election Day - I believe Barack Obama is the best person to lead the US for the next four years, but the most important thing is to make your voice heard. It is what the US is all about.
