St. Thomas students flooded to McNeely Hall and the Groveland Community Center on Nov. 8 to cast their votes in the 2016 presidential election.

For many students, this was their first opportunity to cast a vote for the leader of the country. First-year student Jack Cunningham was excited for the opportunity to have his voice heard.

“It felt good to vote because you finally get a say in who’s going to run the country,” Cunningham said. “It’s cool to feel like you have a part in picking that.”

Election officials at both polling locations said that turnout has been steady all day, and is comparable, possibly even higher, to the 2012 presidential election during the first several hours. The caucus earlier this year resulted in record high turnouts for both the Democratic and Republican parties, particularly among young voters.

“I think the candidates this year are completely different so it really depends on what values you want to see followed through,” said Haley Coffman, a first-year student voting in her first election.

Despite the presidential race garnering most of the attention this election season, many candidates are on the ballot for local offices. Sophomore Laura Phillipp understands the importance of being informed on all positions, not just the national.

“Your vote counts, especially on the local level,” Phillipp said. “People are so focused on the presidential level, when really it’s the supreme court justice you voted for in Minnesota and your house of representatives member that you just voted for … That’s what’s really going to impact your day-to-day life.”

Polls everywhere will close at 8 p.m. TommieMedia will cover election results all day.