Now more than ever the role of social media is having a tremendous effect on the 2012 presidential elections. From Facebook to Twitter, both the Obama and Romney campaigns are using social media to garner support and hopefully win the votes needed to get 4 years in the White House.

In 2008 social media had a huge role in the presidential election and now in 2012, it will have an even bigger role to play. One cannot avoid using social media to convey a message across to customers, potential clients and especially voters.

Media outlets across the country are talking and writing about this topic so I've built a list of articles that explain how social media is transforming the upcoming presidential election.

Are you currently supporting your preferred candidate on social media?

• How the Presidential Candidates Use the Web and Social Media

• Why Social Media Can't Win Swing Votes

• 2012 conventions embrace social media openness

• Tweeting the Next Election Meltdown

• Internet, Social Media Prominent in US Presidential Race

• Can Social Media Win a Presidential Election?

• Social Media's Role in U.S. Presidential Election

• Social Media and the 2012 U.S. Presidential Elections

• 2012 conventions embrace social media openness

• 2012 Election: Social Media Will Play Key Role In Women's Vote

• The Presidential Race & Social Media [Infographic]

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image via Flickr user Ben Sutherland