If people find comfort in numbers, University students who didn't vote in the general election yesterday are feeling quite cozy.

Voter turnout was extremely low in the State College Borough, a common occurrence in off-year elections.

A prime example of the disappointing turnout was at the Findlay Commons polling place, representing precinct East No. 2, where only 34 of 886 registered voters cast ballots.

But in precincts with low student representation, turnout was generally higher. Easterly Parkway Elementary School, 234 Easterly Parkway, had one of the highest turnouts with 520 voters out of 820 registered.

The lack of student interest did not come as a surprise to many, but others were upset by the minimal student participation.

"The level of student apathy nauseates me," said College Democrats President Andrew Kreider (sophomore-international politics). "If issues arise in the coming years that students are angry with, I hope they realize that if things aren't going their way, this year was an excellent chance to have made a difference."

Ed Ziots (junior-mechanical engineering) said students should appreciate and utilize their right to vote.

"If you don't vote, you lose your voice in government and in your community," he said.

Others perceived the voter turnout as better than usual. Elaine Heilman, a 40-year borough resident who votes at about the same time of day every year at the Wesley Foundation, 256 E. College Ave., said her ballot number is usually in the 30s. Yesterday when she voted, her ballot number was 61.

Esther Wakeley, judge of elections at Unity Church of Jesus Christ, 140 N. Gill St., was content with the turnout.

"Most of the regular residents and students who have been here a number of years are faithful and come consistently," she said.

Rich Haines (senior-international politics), an independent write-in council candidate, felt a lack of education was to blame for the low student turnout. Students did not know how to register, were not aware of the current political issues and candidates' platforms, and some did not even know how to vote at the polls, he said.

Some voters discovered that locating their polling place was as difficult as deciding who to vote for.

"I think someone in the University should inform the students where to vote," said Tom Marro, judge of elections at Waring Commons, adding that about 15 percent of voters were redirected to their proper polling place.

Bill Summers, judge of elections at Zeta Psi fraternity, 225 E. Foster Ave., said one student voter was under the impression he could vote at any of the borough's precincts.

For some students who found their precincts, finding the correct room proved to be equally difficult.

"I know Waring Commons pretty well, and it took a little bit of time for me to find the voting place," said Adam Roth (sophomore-psychology). He said only one sign with an arrow posted on a trash can in the commons directed him to the proper room.