Bernie Sanders' supporters work phone banks in advance of state's Saturday caucus vote

SEATTLE -- It’s two days before Washington’s Democratic caucuses and Bernie Sanders’ supporters are hosting a get-out-the-vote event.

Elected leaders and community activists took to the phones to rally voters to caucus for Bernie Sanders this Saturday.

“My name is Eric and I’m a volunteer for Bernie Sanders 2016 campaign,” said one volunteer.

One by one, they reached out by phone to Washington Democrats.

“I’m here in Seattle campaigning for Bernie Sanders for president and just wanted to remind you the caucuses are on Saturday,” said Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.

Cohen joined elected leaders and community activists who endorse Sanders for president.

“When I look at Bernie, I believe this is a man of integrity, authenticity and someone who is going to stand up and fight for expanding the middle-class and lifting the middle-class out of poverty,” said state Sen. Pramila Jayapal, D-Seattle.

Members of the Local Inland Boatman’s union say they support Sanders because they believe he will fight for the middle-class.

“We need to put America back in first place. We need to put people back to work, raise minimum wage and we need to raise the standards for working folks in this country,” said Rich Austin, president of the Local 19 Union.

The get-out-the-vote  event comes just two days after Hillary Clinton made several stops in Washington to rally support.

According to a new Bloomberg Politics poll, Sanders and Clinton are in a virtual tie with Democratic voters nationwide. Sanders is leading at 49 % and Clinton at 48%.

“I think it’s a big deal obviously. He’s behind in the delegate count and he needs to win and Washington looks very promising for him,’ said Mike McGinn, former Seattle mayor.

Supporters know winning Washington and many of the remaining states will be critical to keep Sanders’ presidential hopes alive.