Despite Disorganization, Minn. Students Make Voices Heard

Temperatures in the low 20s did anything but dissuade Minnesota caucus-goers on Super Tuesday, as they showed up en masse to caucus sites all over the state. Their numbers at some locations were so massive that parking lots and precinct rooms were overwhelmed. Orono Middle School in Hennepin County, Minnesota was so inundated that long before the night was over Post-It notes became official ballots. For many first time voters, this made the event far from what they imagined a caucus to be like.

"I expected it to be more formal," said Hayley Anderson of Wayzata High School. "It was very hectic and our ballots were pieces of scratch paper. We had to park a long way from the school and walk."

Sheetal Rajagopal, also a Wayzata student, commented that her site was disorganized.

"They didn't even take my ID and people running the show were sometimes confused and uninformed. But the turnout was amazing - I saw a lot of people my age, which was awesome," she said.

Even with the confusion, students found voting to be an inspiring experience.

"I am really looking forward to the general election based on my experience at the caucus," Wayzata student Hannah Furfaro said. "There was a huge crowd and I can tell America is getting excited about the elections. I am so glad I am old enough to vote during such an exciting time."

Rajogopal said that, "I've wanted to vote ever since I can remember, so when I realized I could caucus as a 17-year-old, I was 100 percent sure I was going. The only way I can get the government I want is if I play an active role in the selection process."

Barack Obama took the DFL Minnesota caucus with over 130,000 votes, receiving more than twice the number of votes received by Hillary Clinton. Mitt Romney also came out ahead with over 25,000 votes.

"The younger generation has to get involved," said Sam Christianson of Wayzata. "We will make the difference."