Welcome to the first U.S. presidential election of the Interconnected Age. News cycles are measured in minutes, opinions can be tracked in real time, rumors started and spread instantaneously, and major speeches “televised” to millions without ever going over the airwaves.

I have been avidly following both campaigns since early January, when it felt like it was worthy paying attention. I have been impressed with their use of the Internet to connect, communicate, and collaborate.

Campaign websites that equip individuals with all the tools they need to enlist the support of friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Daily and more-than-daily emails & text messages.  YouTube channels (and other video services) hosted by the campaigns, related parties, and individuals.

Regardless of who wins on Tuesday, we have entered a new era of political campaigning. The individual voter has an unprecedented array of tools and platforms to connect with and influence the candidates. Here are a few sites worth checking out as the campaigns cross the finish line:

techPresident – this has been a major news source for me and offers a balanced look at both campaigns

Twitter – check out the latest election comments, links, and opinions being voiced right now

www.fivethirtyeight.com – follow the latest opinion polls and electoral map projections

You can also have some fun by watching a unique opinion poll conducted in World of Warcraft, a multiplayer online game. (Hat tip to our very own Sarah Robbins). Or watch a blow-by-blow projection of how election night will transpire and which electoral votes will go where.

When the dust settles on this campaign cycle and we can gain a better perspective of it, I think we’ll be awed by the fundamental shift that has occurred.  If you take a few moments to visit these sites, I’d enjoy reading your thoughts on how the Interconnected Age has changed politics.  What do you think?

Related Post: Rallying the Cause: Lessons from the 2008 Election