A group of canvassers from Kansas City doesn't mind going hundreds of miles for a few votes.
Sarah Starnes is one of the volunteers who frequently makes the three-hour drive across the border to Hillary Clinton's campaign office in Des Moines, Iowa.
As the Iowa caucuses approach and Clinton lags behind rival Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders in local polls, volunteers like Starnes are more important — and must work harder — than ever.
When they knock on doors in Des Moines, they should be met by a friendly face. That's because the campaign has already done its homework. They believe that each home they visit belongs to a Democrat.
"Basically, you just go up to the door find out if they're still planning to caucus for Hillary," said Starnes.
Their main goal with each homeowner is to get them to sign a commit to caucus card, which all but ensures they will caucus for Hillary on election night.
"When people fill these out, that means they're serious about doing this, and then the campaign follows up with them," said Starnes.
After Starnes and her group knock on more than a dozen doors, finally one voter commits.
"All the way from Kansas City," said Iowa Clinton supporter Velta Bucklin. "I think that's awesome. I really do."
That's one more voter who will show up for Hillary on caucus night -- one more voter left impressed by this group from Kansas City.
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Justin Wilfon can be reached at justin.wilfon@kshb.com.
