Wednesday 9 November 2016

Newcastle Councillor in the U.S. Campaigning for Clinton

BY JARROD MELMETH

As vote tallies begin to flood in the US, Newcastle councilor Declan Clausen is hoping his contribution to the Clinton campaign has made a difference.

The 23-year-old jetted off to the US last month in a bid to help the Democratic nominee secure victory in the district of Aurora, Colorado.

Declan Clausen says, campaigning foreigners help American voters realize the global significance of the election.

"Voters are particularly interested and intrigued by a foreign accent and are interested in having a chat. Also, I think come to a realization of the broader global significance of the presidential election, it's not just the future of America that depends on the result of today's polls but also has implications right across the world."

Cr. Clausen has been door knocking and phone calling, something which he says is a small role in the scheme of things but in a battleground district like Colorado it is important.

He believes this is to be an important election particularly given the competition between Clinton and Trump.

"Some of the issues we see in America are things I'm particularly passionate about there are very stark positions here between Trump and Clinton. Unfortunately, Australia has a habit of adopting the poor policy outcomes that are seen in the U.S. It's a really important election for Australia as well because it sets a precedent by which our policy could follow."

Polls close at 3pm AESDT. With the winner announced once, either candidate reaches 270 wins.

Newcastle Councillor, Declan Clausen