Voters around the U-District turned out in droves Saturday to show their support for the presidential candidates of their choice.

“I went in 2004 in Spokane to a caucus for John Kerry, but you couldn’t compare,” said junior Brett Horvath, who caucused at the University Branch Public Library on Northeast 50th Street and Roosevelt Way Northeast. “There was a palpable energy in the air; there was just as many people there inside as there were outside. It was just packed, … like a hip-hop show.”

Some caucus locations had difficulty keeping up with the amount of students who were registering to vote for the first time, or who were filling out change of address forms. Students registered to vote in their hometowns would need to change their address in order to vote in a more convenient location near campus.

“I think they weren’t expecting so many people to change their address,” said Shanna Dulin, a freshman majoring in philosophy and dance. Her caucus location at University Christian Church on Northeast 50th Street and 15th Avenue Northeast ran out of voter registration forms, but rushed to make more copies.

“I think we were told about being able to change our addresses [at the caucuses] on Facebook and stuff, and the volunteers were not,” she said.

Dulin said an exception to the address rule should be made for students, who might not necessarily want to change their address to vote, especially since “we’re going to be able to pull some weight now in this election.”

Her sorority sister, junior Julia Hamilton, agreed.

“One of our friends, who is very political, was going to caucus, but she changed her mind because she doesn’t want to change her address,” Hamilton said. “She wanted to vote in local school levies and stuff in her hometown.”

Despite the confusion, many new voters were not deterred from caucusing.

The 43rd Legislative District alone, which encompasses the UW and surrounding areas, witnessed 935 new registered voters in the Democratic Party.

“The excitement is overwhelming. The turnout was twice as high as 2004, which was a record year, and by early accounts we’ve doubled that,” said Kelly Steele, a spokesperson for the Washington State Democrats. “There was definitely a lot of turnout from the younger generation. I think a lot of people are excited about the process, and the prospect of changing the current system. There was enormous enthusiasm [from younger voters] and a lot of discussion about the strength of the candidates and frustration over the current administration.”

Steele said that despite the confusion, voters exhibited a dedication to the democratic process.

“We did everything we could to help people out with [the confusion],” he said. “I think most people were a little surprised that people were lining up in the streets, but most people were willing to stand in line for 10 minutes because they were excited.”

Horvath felt the Democratic Party did not do an adequate job spreading the word on when and how to caucus.

“I think … it was frustrating for some people,” he said. “I know a lot of people were confused, and I spent an hour before driving friends around, and calling people making sure they knew where to go.”

Republican voters in Sammamish also witnessed a surge of voters.

“This is the biggest one I’ve ever been to,” said Mike Montgomery, a veteran of six caucuses.

At Discovery Elementary School, more chairs had to be brought in to accommodate everyone as 250 Republican voters caucused.

“It was pretty hardcore,” Ron Paul supporter Wesley Mitchell said. “It’s a lot more involved than the primary, but it’s fun.”

Precinct committee officer Jeff Mitchell agreed.

“There’s a lot to [the caucus]. People are involved with this to hear other points of view,” he said. “It’s really great getting Republicans together because Republicans aren’t as active as Democrats.”

One thing many caucus participants agreed on was the importance of Washington state in deciding this year’s presidential candidates.

“We were really the place for the tipping point for Obama to get front-runner status, and I was thrilled that it happened in our own backyard,” Horvath said.

Another caucus participant at University Christian Church said she was pleased with the discussion several people brought to the table.

“One of the great things about this process is that it has brought a lot of people into this election that would never have voted,” she said to the crowd.

Another U-District resident said she expected the high youth turnout, because of trends happening all over the country.

“Well, I wasn’t surprised,” said Barbara Harrell, a member of the 43rd Legislative District. “I was very, very happy. If you’d asked me a year ago, I would’ve said ‘no way. Absolutely no way.’”

Will Mari contributed to this story.

[Reach reporters Arla Shephard and Will Mari at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]