DURHAM, N.C. — As the 2008 presidential election approaches, all eyes are on the candidates and how voters will respond.  Would the outcome be the same if teens under 18 had the chance to voice their opinions? 

This election season, The Streets at Southpoint’s parent company, General Growth Properties, Inc. engages America’s youth on issues that impact their future through an interactive teen election, UR Votes Count.  

The group will announce the teen election results nationally following the six-week event tour.

The experience will educate and engage teens on timely, relevant issues facing the nation and the world. It also allows teens to vote on who they would elect as president of the United States. This national forum addresses topics such as the environment, healthcare, the Iraq war, social security, national security and education. UR Votes Count is taking place at 150 malls across America in 42 states over six weeks.  For a complete list of UR Votes Count dates and locations visit www.urvotescount.com.

Teens unable to attend the local UR Votes Count event can text the last name of their choice for president of the United States to 77812 (Barr, McCain, Nader, Obama).  To confirm their vote, participants must text back their year of birth and zip code (Standard text messaging rates apply.) 

The Durham event takes place Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Each teen voter who participates at the mall wins an instant prize. One lucky winner at Southpoint will get a $100 Discover gift card. At the end of the six-week tour, three ballots from the event will be chosen to win the national prizes. The grand prize is $5,000 in GGP mall shopping.