Obama shares phone number to find out how Americans plan to vote

Former U.S. President Obama shared his phone number on Twitter, asking Americans to text him about how they are planning to vote.

"All right, let's try something new," the former president tweeted. "If you’re in the United States, send me a text at 773-365-9687 — I want to hear how you're doing, what's on your mind, and how you're planning on voting this year."

"I'll be in touch from time to time to share what's on my mind, too," he added.

His number was released over the text-based platform Community, which allows public figures to text all of their followers directly, reach people in a certain city or message people one-on-one, according to a company release.

The former president’s message comes 41 days ahead of Election Day. The 2020 election is expected to set records for the number of people voting by mail as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

At least 84 percent of voters are able to vote by mail this year, The Washington Post reported. About 51 million people will be automatically mailed ballots, while 44 million people will be automatically mailed applications to get ballots, The Hill reported.