Tarpon Springs Residents Withstand the Rain on Election Day

Local residents lined up Tuesday morning at the First Baptist Church in Tarpon Springs to make freedom count by voting in the 2012 General Election.

Puddles and a steady rain filled the scene as voters jogged from their cars to the Precinct 705 location. 

The morning marked Richard Gawlik's first Election Day in Florida. Originally from Pennsylvania, Gawlik, 42, said he has a history in politics and hasn't missed a chance to vote since.

"I've voted in every election since I was 18," Gawlik said.

As poll workers opened the doors at 7 a.m. sharp, a cheer erupted from voters who had been lining up since 6:15 or so.

Will and Kimberly Hicks chose to not take part in early voting. Election Day holds a lot of meaning to the two.

"For us, it's a part of history," said Will Hicks.

Some voters were tight lipped about who they were choosing as their next President of the United States.

Kimberly Hicks, 42, was proud to announce her support for Barack Obama.

"I'm hoping that Obama wins and I'm praying that the chances for that are good," she added.

Related Coverage

• Election Day 2012: What You Need to Know in Tarpon Springs
• Follow Presidential, Statewide Elections on Patch
• Know Where to Vote in Tarpon Springs on Election Day?
• Florida's Constitutional Amendments: What Yes Votes Mean