BUFFALO, N.Y. - Political volunteers in Western New York aren't taking anything for granted but recognize it's been 40 years since a Republican presidential candidate last carried the state.

However, just about two hours away, in Erie, Pennsylvania, it's a different story. Presidential delegate Howard Johnson is one of a group of Democratic volunteers planning to caravan Saturday across the state line to canvass voters.

"It's some of the same sentiments that we see here in Erie County, some of the same issues that we're hearing and things of that nature and we're just encouraging them and making sure that one, they're registered to vote and actually encouraging them to get out the vote," Johnson said.

Erie County, New York Republican and Conservative parties are looking for volunteers to do the same in Pennsylvania in a few weeks. Conservative Chair Ralph Lorigo said just a few thousand votes in the vital swing state could be the difference in the election.

"These people who are willing to volunteer, these people who are willing to get involved, they will make a difference and they could make a difference in the entire election could be won or lost in Pennsylvania. In our neighbor, the entire election could be won or lost," Lorigo said.

He said the party will also set up a phone bank for volunteers who want to participate but can't make the trip.

The Democratic Committee launched its campaign headquarters last week with a phone bank as well.

"It's just been call after call after call and I don't see it ceasing much," Johnson said. "I see us just ramping up the efforts more as we get closer to the election."

He said local Democrats are also planning to help with contested congressional seats across the state, including supporting John Mannion in Central New York. Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and Republcan presidential nominee Donald Trump were both campaigning in the Keystone State Wednesday and Walz is scheduled for an event Thursday in Erie.

Western New Yorkers who want to volunteer can call the local party headquarters. That's the Erie County Democratic Committee for Kamala Harris and the Republican Committee for Donald Trump.

Trump volunteers can also reach out to Lorigo directly at his law office.