Witches for Sanders? Democratic Candidate Finds Support Among Oregon's Unique Voter Base

Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders has fronted an impressive effort to introduce some welcomed diversity to the 2016 presidential race, but it hasn’t been easy. There was even a point when Sanders’ own campaign representatives were unsure how long he’d last.

Could it be that there’s some secret, magical strategy that has allowed this anti-establishment senator from Vermont to remain competitive? One group of witches from Oregon think so.

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This week the country learned that a group of Sanders supporters from Portland have been performing Wiccan rituals they hope will lead to “amplification of positive energy of Bernie Sanders and the progressive movement,” according to the group’s leaders.

The L.A. Times described Friday evening’s outdoor event as intimate and mellow:

They gathered around a small rug with four candles, flowers and an imitation ballot box adorned with Bernie stickers. Each person was handed a replica ballot and took turns declaring what they would like to see changed — ending private prisons, bringing back Glass-Steagal financial regulations, labeling genetically modified foods and increasing access to college. A reporter for a local alternative weekly who participated in the ritual asked for more transparent public records laws.

In an effort to help others “feel the Bern,” the group chanted over the burning candle wicks, “be the Bern, be the Bern, be the Bern” — a nod to the popular campaign slogan.

Afterwards, they enjoyed some fresh cherries and ginger lemonade in the open air.

Oregon will hold its primary Tuesday. And while Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton currently holds a double-digit lead, Sanders told the Oregonian that he anticipates “a very large voter turnout.”