A press release from Eden Prairie Center:

EDEN PRAIRIE -- 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 the age of 18 had the chance to voice their opinions? This summer, General Growth Properties Inc., owner/developer of shopping centers worldwide and premier entertainment venues for teens, engages America’s youth on issues that impact their future through a unique, interactive teen election, UR Votes Count.

Did you know that during the past decade, debt levels for graduating seniors with student loans more than doubled from $9,250 to $19,200, a 108 percent increase (58 percent after accounting for inflation)? With these issues and many more affecting today’s teens, it’s important they educate themselves with the election process so in 2012 they are ready to vote. Until then, they can make their voices heard through UR Votes Count.

Eden Prairie Center will host UR Votes Count from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14.

The event is meant to educate and engage teens about timely, relevant issues facing the nation and the world. It also allows teens to cast their vote for 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 takes 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.

Can’t attend the event? UR Votes (still) Count! Starting Aug. 16, teens unable to attend their local UR Votes Count event can text the last name of their choice for president of the U.S. 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.)