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SALT LAKE CITY — With two weeks until election day, local campaigns in Utah and nationally are gearing up for the final push known in the political world as G-O-T-V.
The acronym GOTV means "get out to vote." Political campaigns are hanging cards on doorknobs, rallying supporters, getting volunteers involved to urge the voters most likely to vote for their side to make sure they do vote.
Two weeks before election day, the big push is on.
"I started out just locally in my own neighborhood and I kind of found that one person really can make a difference," said Republican volunteer, Becky Pirente.
Utah's dominant Republicans want to stay dominant.
"Basically, I juggle phones," said volunteer, Kathie Johnson. "I call people and talk to them and find out what they're feeling [about the elections.] I try not to interject too much because that's really what we're trying to do is identify those people who support the republican candidates."
Underdog Utahn democrats believe getting their voters is key to making inroads to eventually, someday level the playing field in Utah.
"I think it's encouraging to see that there are a larger number," said democratic volunteer, Tina Hose. "There are a lot of people that are still undecided and still making up their minds and that we may have some influence on that."
Just look at the presidential races come down to. Couple billion dollars later, a few thousand people in three states are going to determine who the next president of the United States is.
–Thomas Wright, State GOP Chairman
Early voting began on Tuesday and campaigns are also encouraging people to vote now so they don't have to worry about the crowds on election day. Both sides say with some tight races in Utah and nationally, GOTV- "get out the vote" is key.
"Grassroots organization swings these races," said State GOP Chairman, Thomas Wright. "Just look at the presidential races come down to. Couple billion dollars later, a few thousand people in three states are going to determine who the next president of the United States is. And it's no different here in Utah."
The big push now is for the early vote and with the mail-in voting underway, the campaigns are all encouraging voters to vote now.
