After weeks of anticipation, the 2012 election has come and gone. For some people, though, participating in the election was not as easy as they thought it would be.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the east coast remained ravaged this past week. Many people were still waiting on power restoration. Gas stations continue to limit the amount of gas that consumers can purchase and lines go on for blocks. As a result of these setbacks, many citizens were not sure whether or not they would be able to practice their basic right at the polls.

To facilitate those who might not be able to make it to the polls, New York and New Jersey provided ways to aid in the voting process. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Monday that the residents of certain New York areas would be able to vote at any polling place, while New Jersey Governor Christ Christie announced that the state would be accepting e-mail ballots for those without transportation to the polls.

Most students living away from home chose to vote by absentee ballot, but because Sandy disrupted the school and postal service, some could not get access to their ballot.

Mike LeBoeuf, a sophomore from New Jersey, had requested an absentee ballot but was unable to get it from the mailroom before Monday due to the storm. “This is the first Presidential election I can vote in, and I didn’t think I would be able to. I’m glad New Jersey is letting me email in my ballot so I can make my vote count,” he said on Monday. “Everyone says that it is your civic duty to vote, and I thank Chris Christie for letting me do that.”

Some students preferred to vote in person and re-register through the town of Fairfield. Freshman Jeannette Eckelman said, “I felt like I had a lot more of a voice voting here … rather than through the absentee ballot because my vote seemed more legitimate.”

Senior Josh Robichaud added, “Being in Fairfield county, I thought the election was a little more competitive. I was surprised at the number of candidates that were there shaking hands and stuff.”

Although there was not a polling station available on campus, the University did provide transportation to Osborne Hill School. Students were encouraged to register earlier in the year though the University so they could take advantage of voting just down the street.

Junior Hillary Maxson explained, “Originally I was planning on literally running down to the elementary school to vote because I don’t have a car on campus. When I saw the provided shuttle system to the school I was so excited! I thought Fairfield did an excellent job encouraging students to vote.”

Students gathered in the lower level BCC to watch the results filter in late Tuesday night. “The number of electoral votes going up and down is making my heart race,” commented Rayan Graham. “This experience is nerve-wracking because I am hoping my vote counts.”

Freshman Brooke Braccia commented on the election as a whole, saying, “It felt good participating and knowing I had a say in such an important national decision.”