After stumping for two years on the campaign trail, America's two leading presidential candidates, Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain, faced off in a historic Nov. 4 election. Dickinson students marked the event with passion and enthusiasm.

Excitement was high as a record number of students—some of whom had never voted before—took shuttle buses to their local polling places and cast their votes. Although the lines were often long, most maintained an optimistic spirit and gathered in the evening to watch election results unfold.

The College Democrats and the College Republicans hosted separate events on campus to mark the historic event. Together, these events attracted a total of approximately 250 students, who watched with great interest as the nation elected Barack Obama as the country's first African-American president-elect.

Additional photos available on Flickr.

Shuttle buses made it easy for voters to get to their local polling places. Lines were long but orderly at area polling places. According to some reports, voter turnout in some Pennsylvania areas reached an all-time high of up to 70%.	Students wait for their turn to vote at Grace Baptist Church. The College Republicans gather in Denny Hall to watch the election results. Emily LaSota '09, president of the College Republicans (front and center), has a snack as she watches the election results unfold in Denny Hall. Members of the College Republicans pose for a photo during their election-night event.
Students express their enthusiasm for their candidate with a celebratory hug.	Democratic-minded students gather in The Depot to watch the election results. Outside of The Depot, students celebrate President-Elect Obama's victory with sparklers. Students cheer as President-Elect Obama takes the stage to address the nation.
An unprecedented number of young adults, aged 18-29, voted in the election and were instrumental in securing Obama's win in many key states. Students celebrate Obama's win in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.	With its big-screen TV, ample space and café tables, The Depot offered an ideal gathering spot for the College Democrats and their like-minded peers.