November 6, 2012 at 2:51 PM

Today is not a garden variety day in the HUB-Robeson Center. The student center, which is traditionally abuzz during the lunch hour, was particularly alive today as Penn State students from across campus scrambled between classes to cast their vote for the 2012 election.

Student-run political groups and polling center volunteers stood amassed in front of Alumni Hall, helping students less savvy to the voting process identify which precinct they belonged to and maneuver their way into the center.

A few students stood passing out Romney/Ryan stickers to those entering the center, and State Representative Candidate Christopher Lee stood handing out flyers encouraging students to vote in his favor.

Inside the polling center the atmosphere was rather subdued. With lines not yet at capacity there was room enough for many of the first time voters to collect their thoughts and take in the scene.

Juliana Cronin (junior-biobehavioral health) said she was happy to be able to vote and satisfied that the process ran smoothly.

“It was exciting to finally get a chance to vote, and nothing caught me too off guard, so that was nice,” she said.

This collective relief was sort of the theme of the hour, as many found it hard not to feel rather calmed once their vote had been cast and they strolled out of the polling center.

Taylor Relich (senior-finance), who had already voted by absentee ballot two weeks earlier, said that though he found the election race interesting given its competitiveness, he was glad to get the process over with.

“I hope people get out there and exercise their right to vote today,” Relich said. “But I’m completely sick of the negative attack ads on television and I know my parents are tired of receiving phone calls asking them who they’re planning on voting for, so needless to say, I’m happy all this is finally over.”