Ruth Woods came prepared. She's brought her umbrella, a jacket and her dedication to the ballot box. Woods is one of thousands who came out to cast an early vote, despite gloomy skies and breezy weather.
"I can see that it's cloudy. And if I'm going to be in line, I don't want to get my hair wet," says Woods.
"Weather has historically been an important factor in a lot of elections," says Tige Watts, Campaign Research and Strategy president.
Tige Watts has been part of a lot of elections and he knows weather can determine if you hit the polls.
"How much of a factor it plays this year is a big unknown," says Watts.
Weather's impact dates back to the original 13 colonies. November was chosen as election month because it was a calm period for farmers. More than 200 years later, Watts says the recent increase in early voting has lessened mother nature's impact.
"I really do believe we're going to have the largest turnout our state has ever seen," says Watts.
Many voters remained undetered at the polls.
"Get a raincoat," says Gwen Murray Miller of Hollywood. "Get an umbrella. Do what it takes to vote."
"I will vote regardless," says James Carpenter of Columbia. "I'll be happier if it's sun-shiny. But I will be there to vote."
As for Ruth Woods, she says it's encouraging to see so many people braving questionable weather to make their voice heard.
"We as a people, white, black, we as Americans have a responsibility to step up to the table and do what is needed."
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH