Ben Mehic, Managing News Editor

Selma Jasencic, senior at Utica College, strolled through Strebel Lounge and dropped red, white and blue balloons all over the ground. Despite wearing a camouflaged shirt, Jasencic’s “Make America Dope Again” hat was visible among the dozens that came to watch the results of Election Day.

On Nov. 8, students from all different backgrounds – almost all of whom showed up to support Hillary Clinton – gathered to witness the election of the person who’s perceived to be “the leader of the free world.”

“It’s a historical time and election. I’m excited to potentially see the first female get elected for president,” said Jasencic. “Even though people have all these terrible things to say about her, her policies and things she stands for can help us move forward as a progressive nation. She’s going to do amazing things.”

Jasencic, along with the help of Student Activities, Residence Life and the James Sherman Society, hosted the Election Night Party. The anxious students took turns grabbing water and cookies from the snack table in anticipation for the results.

Assistant Director of Residence Life and Educational Initiatives Derek Pooley said that 200 students registered to vote after Utica College’s initiative during the election period. A shuttle ran from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., taking students to local polling sites to cast their votes.

Pooley, a noted Clinton supporter, said that he was excited for Clinton, but was even more joyous to see students together in Strebel.

Millennial voters make up the same percentage of the electorate as the Baby Boomers, according to the Pew Research Center. While the young voters typically don’t go to the polls in the same numbers as older citizens, Pooley was excited to see students come together on Tuesday.

“It’s unreal and super cool,” Pooley said. “I can’t wait to share this experience with them.”

Among the dozens asked, Nathaniel Flower, a sophomore, was the only noted Donald Trump supporter at the Election Day Party. Flower sat in the sofa next to the fireplace while filling in the Republican nominee’s face on a coloring sheet. Flower was there to watch the result, but he also made the most of the event by inviting a date.

“I want to watch everybody’s reaction. The result won’t change my life in any particular way,” Flowers said. “I don’t even care if my date shows up – I just want to hang out and see people’s reactions to the result.”