Despite belonging to a demographic known for not caring about elections, student traffic was heavy in East Wilson Hall as crowds lined up Tuesday to cast their ballots.

People stood shoulder-to-shoulder - looking at their watches and chatting with one another - leaving barely enough room for others to pass by.

It wasn't just students who packed the polls. Across the state, voter turnout was higher than usual, with some precincts in Ingham County reporting more than 80 percent of voters in attendance.

Many students were excited about voting for the first time, while others said they just wanted to get it over with.

And while most said they voted because it was their duty, some students had other reasons.

"I got extra credit for voting," no-preference freshman Jennifer Burr said.

And the big crowds made for long waits - anywhere between a half-hour and an hour.

Voters filled out a card and then got in line, only to have the card validated and get in another, longer line.

Still, the environment was loud and bubbly. Waiting students discussed everything from their political views to their next class with their friends while waiting.

Psychology sophomore Sam Sanders said he understands the importance of voting.

"African Americans haven't always had this right," Sanders said. "It'd be a slap in the face to our ancestors if we didn't vote."

Sanders also said it's important to let politicians and youth know that by voting, voices are heard.

Marketing sophomore Ryan VanStone said he was voting because "it seems like the right thing to do."

"I'd like to see a change in the administration," he said.

The most important issue to him was Proposal 2, which he opposed. Proposal 2 was written to amend the Michigan Constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman.

"I'm more concerned with statewide issues than national ones," he said.

Professional writing freshman Jim Corriveau said he cast his ballot for President Bush.

"Everyone who's able to vote should," he said. "It's our right."

Corriveau said he voted for Bush because he thought the president performed well considering the events of his term, such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the war in Iraq.

"People are overlooking the good things he did, like homeland security," Corriveau said. "People are jumping to conclusions and only thinking about the war."

Many students had strong opinions about this year's presidential election but others said they weren't quite sure who to pick.

Telecommunication, information studies and media junior Courtney Kupillas was still undecided as she stood in line.

"I think (Bush and Kerry) are both dirty politicians, but voting Nader would be wasting a vote," she said.

She said she was voting because "everyone has a say, no matter how small you are."

While there were many students who made their votes count, some missed out.

"I didn't get my absentee ballot in on time," human biology sophomore Krysten Jefferson said.

"I didn't get to vote, and if other people aren't voting, the U.S. will end up like a third-world country."