If you have been on Locust Walk today, you have probably seen the Obama signs hanging on trees. You might have noticed that they say “Text PA to 62262,” but don’t say why or what will happen if you do.

As a curious reporter, I diligently followed the sign’s instructions and have since received three text messages that have told me to vote for Obama and to tell others to do the same.

Standard message rates apply.

Penn President Amy Gutmann just voted in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall. She was followed to her polling place by professor John DiIulio’s Intro to American Politics class, which she addressed on College Green before going to vote.

Gutmann, who was described by DiIulio as a, “lean, mean civic-engagement machine,” applauded the class and Penn Leads the Vote for their hard work.

“This has been an amazing and really history-making campaign in terms of leading the vote,” she said.

Check back later to see video of Gutmann voting.

Facebook is joining in the Election Day action with the “Election Rally on Facebook,” which urges users to “donate your status” to the Election. People seem to be doing doing it — my Facebook News Feed is dominated by “X is getting out the vote for Barack Obama/John McCain. Last chance to join the rally: http://causes.com/election/26916683?m=ce0c7175.”

Facebook is also keeping a tally of the number of users who have voted so far today. As of 1:45, 2,146,349 users reported voting. Could Facebook be influencing turnout?