Shippensburg University students joined the hordes of Americans headed to the polls today as the fate of America’s next president, as well as representatives in the state and federal governments, hang in the balance.

In support of student voters, SU’s Residence Hall Association, Residence Life, the Women’s Center and Activities Program Board (APB) sponsored transportation for SU students to and from the Vigilant Hose Company polling place.

Pick up and drop off locations were located outside of Harley Hall and the Ceddia Union Building’s Orndorff Theatre entrance.

A tent was erected by APB, offering activities to keep people busy while waiting for the shuttle, as well as information on polling locations and the voting process.

“Some people wouldn’t get to go otherwise, so I think it’s really cool [they] are doing this,” SU freshman Shreya Long said.

Long said she has numerous family members who are immigrants, and became a Clinton supporter after being offended by remarks she heard Trump make on the topic of immigration

This year’s race for president is close, with news sources such as Fox News claiming electoral votes from toss-up states such as Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida are key for Republican candidate Donald Trump to have a mathematical chance of winning the presidency. CNN’s online poll, however, reports that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s odds of winning tonight’s election stand at 90 percent.

“I’m voting Republican because I am pro-life and I believe in the Second Amendment and protecting our borders,” SU freshman Nate Favretto said.

Although many SU students said they had their minds made up well before Election Day, others said the decision of whom they would vote for was not an easy one to make.

“It was really a hard decision for me to decide who to vote for,” SU student Alyssia Brown. “I disliked both of these candidates so I just picked the one that I disliked the least.”

Voter turnout rates in Shippensburg remained high throughout the day, according to a polling place staff member. Some polling places had Clinton campaigners outside and voter protection volunteers to ensure people can vote safely.

A Shippensburg Area High School student stationed outside the Vigilant Hose Company said although he is not old enough to vote, he is supporting Clinton throughout the remainder of the election because of her level of expertise.

“I do want someone with experience, morality and that I can trust to make the right and ethical decisions in the Oval Office,” high school senior Jim Smith said.

Voters had the chance to choose the next president, several representatives and a Pennsylvania constitutional amendment. The results are expected to come out tonight.

Visit theslateonline.com for the final results and follow us on Twitter @ShipUSlate for election updates.

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