By now, email is a relatively old trick in the bag of both Sens. John McCain, R-Az., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., although text messaging is relatively new on the scene -- and has the potential, experts say, to be an effective way of communicating with young voters.

Earlier this week, the Washington Post's Jose Antonio Vargas asked, "What Next for Obama's Text-Messaging Database?"

"How many cellphone numbers, through its nearly 18-month-old text messaging program, are in Sen. Barack Obama's database?" writes Vargas. "Scott Goodstein, the text guru who runs the program, declines to say. Same goes for his boss, Joe Rospars, who oversees Triple O, Obama's online operation. But since the campaign has been tireless in collecting their supporters' cell numbers -- they introduced Sen. Joe Biden as Obama's vice presidential choice by text -- many guess that it's in the millions."

Sen. Obama's final email message came first:

We're just one day away from change.

Election Day is tomorrow -- Tuesday, November 4th.

We've asked you to do a lot over the course of this campaign, and you've always come through.

Right now, I'm asking you to do one last thing -- vote tomorrow, and make sure everyone you know votes, too.

Watch a short video about how far we've come, and how close we are. Then find or confirm your polling location and make sure your friends and family do the same.

When this campaign began, we weren't given much of a chance by the pollsters or the pundits. But tomorrow, we can make history.

We've made it this far because supporters like you never stopped believing in your power to bring about real change.

Take the final step now.

Watch the video, find your polling location, and get everyone you know involved on Election Day.

With your vote, and the votes of your friends, family, and neighbors, we won't just win this election -- together, we will change this country and change the world.

Thank you,

Barack

And a few hours later, from Sen. McCain:

My Friend,

From the time I entered the Naval Academy at age seventeen I have been privileged and honored to serve my country.

Throughout my years of service, I've been faced with challenges where I could have taken the easy way out and given up. But I'm an American and I never give up. Instead, I choose to show courage and stand up and fight for the country I love. Today, I am asking you to stand with me and to fight for our country's future.

Our country faces enormous challenges and our next president must be ready to lead on day one. My lifetime of experience has prepared me to lead our great nation. I'm prepared to bring solutions to our economic challenges, bring our troops home in victory and improve our nation's healthcare system.

Time and time again, my country has saved my life and I owe her more than she has ever owed me. I have chosen to show my gratitude through a life of service to our country and tomorrow, you will have a choice before you.

I humbly ask you to make the choice that will allow me to serve my country a little while longer by casting your vote to elect me as your next President of the United States.

Finally, I ask that you never forget that much has been sacrificed to protect our right to vote. We must never forget those Americans who, with their courage, with their sacrifice, and with their lives, have protected our freedom. It is my great hope that you will exercise your right to vote as an American tomorrow.

I thank you for your kind support, your dedication to our cause, and most importantly I thank you for your vote.

With sincere appreciation,

John McCain

This article was published on November 4, 2008 on the website of WMUR.