Both parties vying to succeed in UF's Student Government elections added umbrellas to their campaign materials on the first day of voting Tuesday.
But the weather didn't deter more than 4,100 students from casting their ballots.
Still, it was an impressive turnout by any weather standards, SG Supervisor of Elections Sarah Krantz said. About 600 more students voted this year than on the first day of elections in spring 2007, when more than 3,500 voted.
Sam Miorelli, Orange and Blue Party president, said the rain didn't stop party supporters from campaigning with their usual vigor.
"People are soaking wet, and when you're running to them with a big golf umbrella, they don't mind listening," Miorelli said.
Steven Hoffstetter, Gator Party chairman, agreed.
Hoffstetter said no student denied the "umbrella ride" to class, along with the chance to talk about the party's platform.
"In the end it's all about service to the students, and both parties want to do that," he said.
Both said their supporters had been campaigning since before 8 a.m.
Hoffstetter added that the rain might ruin the party's plans to paint a message on the 34th Street Wall Tuesday night.
He said the Gator Party hadn't organized anything "as unique" as hiring Albert, UF's mascot, as the Orange and Blue Party did to promote its campaign.
Miorelli said Orange and Blue paid $100 to rent Albert for an hour from the University Athletic Association.
Albert strolled Turlington Plaza from noon to 1 p.m. sporting a triple-extra-large Orange and Blue T-shirt.
"I've yet to see Albert offer a flier and someone refuse it," Miorelli said. "How do you not vote for the Orange and Blue revolution with Albert?"
When students vote for Student Body and Student Senate candidates at various campus locations, they can also vote on two referendum questions.
The proposals ask students if UF "should officially denounce the invasion and continued occupation of Iraq" and whether UF should create a committee to advise the Board of Trustees, UF's highest governing body, on socially responsible investing of the university's $1 billion-plus endowment.
Students can also vote on a proposed Student Body constitutional amendment to reduce the range of Student Senate seats up for election each semester to 40 to 50 instead of up to 60.
