Local backers of Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled a billboard Thursday evening in support of the candidate who is vying for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The electronic billboard, at the high-traffic intersection at S.W. 17th and Wanamaker, which will be up for a month, calls attention to the Sanders campaign and the March 5 Kansas Democratic caucuses. Another billboard at S.W. 21st and Gage will be up for the next few days.

About 35 people came to the unveiling and cheered as passers-by honked in support of Sanders. Large signs made with Christmas lights also were on display with phrases such as "Feel the Bern," a slogan used by supporters nationwide and on social media.

Paul Harrison said he was passionate about the campaign because of Sanders’ health care policies, namely a single-payer system. Harrison’s 6-year-old son has Crohn’s disease and said navigating the current system has been a challenge.

"The government doesn’t work for the middle class," Harrison said.

Additionally, he is drawn to Sanders because of the senator’s opposition to the Citizens United court decision and his refusal to take campaign contributions from big corporations.

"Our voices are being drowned out," Harrison said of the current political system.

Others, such as Heather Robinson, support Sanders’ plan for free college. Robinson said she works hard, but pays almost as much in student loans as her rent each month.

Jossie Hicks said, "He wants to do better for America. (Donald) Trump and (Hillary) Clinton just want to be president."

A crowdfunding campaign raised the funds necessary for the billboard.

The billboard organizers were surprised to discover they had to register as a political action committee to put up the sign. In order to avoid Federal Elections Commission penalties, official registration was required because the billboard cost more than $1,000.

To file, organizers first had to create a name for the PAC — they came up with Sunflower State Supporters. Additionally, they had to get a bank account and a tax identification number.

"It makes us feel like they’re making regular citizens stay out of the political process," organizer Dan Brennan said.

Sanders faces Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the Democratic nomination process.

Gavin Young, spokesperson for the Hillary for Kansas campaign, said the group has been active since the spring of 2015, holding debate watch parties, organizational meetings and phone banks.

In preparation for the Kansas caucuses, Clinton’s supporters have also been conducting training sessions in which volunteers learn about the caucus process so they are prepared for the upcoming event.

"The March 5 caucuses provide Kansans a clear choice in electing our next president — Hillary Clinton is the one candidate who has spent her life fighting for families and delivering real results," said former Kansas Gov. John Carlin. "As we are all too aware in Kansas, the wrong leader can risk the gains we’ve made which is why ensuring we have a president who can get things done is so important."

On Thursday evening, Clinton supporters gathered in Wichita, Manhattan and Johnson County to view the latest debate, Young said.

After the billboard unveiling, several of Sanders’ Topeka supporters headed to The Celtic Fox to watch the debate, Brennan said.