November 6, 2012 at 6:20 PM

The long lines at the HUB at 4 p.m. were cut in half by 5 p.m.. A student helping direct people at the polls, Ryan Kristopik (junior - biobehavorial health), said there was a huge rush from noon to 3 p.m. between classes, but it had died down by around 4:30 p.m.

By that time, about 4,900 votes had been cast at the HUB polling location, said Matt Milliron, who was working at the polls.

Alongside Kristopik were candidates and spokespeople lining the walk from the Pollock Road entrance to the lines forming at Alumni Hall, encouraging students to vote for a specific candidate or party. 

Rep. Glenn Thompson supporter Marcie Lynch said she had been at the HUB since 10:30 a.m. handing out rally towels and stickers. She said this was her first time working at the HUB and found the energy to be "pretty crazy, but good." As an adult voter, she thought it was interesting that students were coming in groups divided by party to vote.

Two students who voted for the first time in a presidential election, Leah Silverman (junior-chemical engineering) and Brandon Cwalina (senior -international relations) said that they were excited to vote. They said they had both voted in 2010 and they wanted their opinions on issues that they were interested in to matter. 

Tiffany Carvahlo (senior- biobehavioral health) said the whole process only took her about five minutes. She said she intentionally waited to vote until later because she knew the lines would be shorter.

With polls around the country closing in the next few hours, many students are making plans to watch the results tonight.

Blair Cooper (senior-political science) said he will not be able to sleep until he knows who wins. Cooper, who was wearing a Romney/Ryan sticker, said he is hoping to have reason to celebrate tonight.

Whether they plan on attending a viewing party, watching the big TV in the HUB, or following Twitter while studying, all three students said they are definitely not going to sleep until they know the outcome.

Zack Slater (sophomore-broadcast journalism) said he is voting for President Barack Obama because he generally agrees with his views on social issues.

“I’m old enough now [to vote] and I have the opportunity," Slater said. "It’s one of the many ways you can take part of the government."

Ashley Sprain (junior-public relations) said she is voting for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

“I feel like right now, the economic side is more important,” Sprain said. “America needs to transform [itself] and start losing our debt. Romney has such a strong background in [economics] and that is our best bet for the next four years.”