About 300 students waited outside the Orange & Brew to hear results of Student Government elections early Thursday morning, but the results were not made available by press time because votes were still being counted by the Supervisor of Elections.
Some party supporters were growing weary as the night wore on.
"I feel like I've been out here since about 7 o'clock this morning," Sam Miorelli, Orange and Blue Party president said. "My back hurts from standing so much."
He said he couldn't leave until they were announced, though.
Student Body President Kevin Reilly agreed.
"I've been here for two hours, I'm committed," he said.
The humid air outside the Reitz Union was filled with anticipation as members of Student Government's two major political parties waited for the results of the fall election.
Voter turnout was not known by press time as well. About 5,400 students voted Tuesday. About 7,000 votes were cast in last fall's elections.
On Tuesday, SG Supervisor of Elections Dan Seigel said voter turnout for the election was much higher than in the past because of the political mindset of the Student Body spread by the upcoming national election.
Results for the referendum questions on the ballot about hand scanners and making the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day a travel safety day were also unannounced.
Neither party felt the rain showers throughout the day had dampened voter turnout or candidate enthusiasm.
"Our candidates had plenty of umbrellas," Gator Party Treasurer Brady Beitlich said.
Some Orange and Blue Party members used large laminated party signs on posts as makeshift umbrellas as they continued to inform voters during the showers.
The night was filled with passionate cheering from each party before results were announced around 1:30 a.m.
Cheers of "Orange, Blue," the UF fight song, the national anthem and a modified version of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" were boomed from the Orange and Blue Party.
The party also repeated shouts of "Green means go," in reference to a Tuesday Alligator article quoting Kevin Reilly from an e-mail among three other SG and Senate officials.
The party's cheers were rivaled by the Gator Party's popular mantra: "It's great to vote the Gator Party!" and "Let's go Gator!"
While students waited for results, dated pop music was blared from speakers perched beside the stage where results were to be announced.
The Gator Party spent about $4,000 on their campaign, while Orange and Blue spent about $2,300, some of which was funded out-of-pocket by Miorelli.
He said the excitement of the election has eclipsed any contribution.
"The last thing on my mind is how much money the party owes me," he said.
Recent election complaints will be addressed in a Thursday meeting at 9 p.m., said SG Election Commissioner John Dicks.
Beitlich said he hoped addressing the complaints would bring closure to the unethical issues of the campaigning season.
About 35 Orange and Blue Party members gathered at Miorelli's condo around 9 p.m. As they lounged around the home, they swapped past campaign stories and reflected on the issues of the campaign before carpooling to the Orange & Brew.
The mood was one of nervous excitement as party members recognized the potential result of their campaigns.
"I don't feel like this night can be ruined," said Elizabeth Stinson, Orange and Blue Party chairwoman, before the returns.
About 60 members and supporters of the Gator Party gathered for a lively meal and a few drinks at the Swamp Restaurant before heading over to the Orange & Brew about 11:40 p.m.
Steven Hoffstetter, a political science senior and former Gator Party senator, said he was disappointed with the conduct in this year's election.
"It's definitely been the ugliest since I've been involved," said Hoffstetter, who has been involved for four years.
Hoffstetter said he thinks the Orange and Blue Party were responsible for delivering private e-mails to the Alligator last week, but Miorelli, who also received a copy of the documents last week, said he does not think his party was involved.
Sarah Cunningham, assistant director of the Center of Student Activities and Involvement, as well as an SG director, said she thought the SG election season showed off the hard work of students.
"All the parties really care about the platforms," she said, adding that students did not have as many questions for her during the campaign season. "They're out there pounding the pavement."
