California Millennials Head To Nevada To Make Voices Heard In Primaries
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Even Californians had their eyes on Nevada this weekend as dozens of young voters made their way across the state line to help out with various campaigns.
With two caucuses in the state just days apart, Californians see a golden opportunity – and with California's primary so far away, this might be their best shot to make their mark and be heard.
This is the scene on highways across Northern California this weekend: millennials packed into cars headed east for Nevada.
"It's a big weekend to be driving all the way out there and getting involved in a state that's not even our own," said Alyssa Hanou, political director for the Sacramento County Young Democrats.
At 25, Hanou is eager to prove that young voters in California shouldn't be overlooked.
"We're often sort of assumed to be a population that doesn't really get engaged in these issues and I think the showing that we're going to have this weekend is going to prove otherwise," Hanou said.
She's one of 60 Democrats in her group, happy to shake hands with Nevada voters.
Lauren Greenwood is another Democrat along for the ride.
"Bernie and Hillary are practically tied in the polls, so it's an opportunity to make a difference," Greenwood said.
And even in a state that's consistently blue, Republicans aren't sitting still either.
"We're excited, we're on the way and we're going to do our part," said Adam Ellison with the Young Republican National Federation.
Just a few hours earlier, we sat down with Ellison.
"The young Republicans in the area are vibrant, energetic and all too often folks think that young people belong to the Democratic Party and that's just not true," Ellison said.
So until Tuesday, Nevada will be his stomping ground.
"Why sit around and wait for the June primary when we can go have a hand in things right now?" Ellison said.
But judging by the voting so far, Hanou says there could be an upside to such a late primary.
"I think California could actually have a say in this one," Hanou said.
Ellison is on pulling for Marco Rubio, but encourages all of his fellow Republicans in Nevada to vote regardless of the candidate.
The Nevada GOP primary is set to take place on Tuesday.
