Election night is far from over, but the projected results are shaking up previous expectations from students and pollsters alike. Just last week, several polls predicted that the Clinton campaign would gain a majority in the electoral college, but more than halfway through the states, Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton are nearly neck and neck.
According to CNN, Clinton has 209 electoral votes while Trump has 238 at 9:30 p.m. Several states that were expected to vote Democrat, including Wisconsin and Michigan, are tied up in a tight race with Trump in the lead. States that were predicted to be too close to call on election night like North Carolina and Florida have already been called in favor of the GOP nominee.
The Pilot House is full tonight with students watching the results unfold. While some students are shocked by the drastic difference between tonight’s results and previous polls, some are pleased with the results.
“I’m feeling really great,” freshman Grady Miller, who is supporting Trump, said. “From noon today to now, my feelings have definitely improved. I had some doubts but I’m glad I’m being proved wrong.”
The turn of events in electoral results has garnered attention all across campus. Many students say their classes are far less of a priority.
“I’m totally not going to be able to do any homework tonight now,” said freshman Autumn Fluetsch, who is watching in the Pilot House.
Fluetsch chalks Trump’s current lead up to the general public’s confidence in a Clinton victory.
“I think coming into it, the polls showed her winning and it deterred people from voting,” Fluetsch said. “It’s sad so many people in our country are so full of hate.”
Student opinions are across the board at the Pilot House tonight. A loud cheer erupted when Clinton won Oregon. There was also a loud show of support when Trump won the state of Florida.
Whether students are disappointed in the results or excited by the current turnout, emotions are high on both sides.
“Is it OK if I cry in the interview?” said senior Kate Garcia.
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Dora Totoian and Olivia Sanchez contributed to reporting for this story.
