NEDERLAND — Voting totals and candidates’ spirits remained high as early voting continued in Nederland on Wednesday. A total of 388 people voted on Wednesday.

With North 12^th Street and a row of campaigns separating them from city hall, candidates set up shop to greet voters and answer questions about their vision for the city.

Even with opposing candidates sharing the same turf, the mood has been light.

Sylvia Root and David Guillot are campaigning for the same seat representing Ward 4, but both said they would be happy no matter the outcome.

“It’s nice,” Root said. “We’re all hanging out together. It’s really fun. I’m pretty sure when people come out here they have their minds made up.

“If people have any questions, they can come ask.”

Guillot said he has known Root and her family for many years.

“It’s been very interesting,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it so far. I’m trying to be out here every day. I’ve got nothing bad to say about anybody. So far, it’s been good, clean fun. There is nothing wrong with that.”

Even though Emmett Hollier is in an uncontested race to fill the seat mayoral candidate Don Albanese left to run for mayor, Hollier has been out greeting and thanking voters.

“Being this is my first election, even though I’m unopposed, I want to make sure people know who I am. I want to make sure they have an opportunity to ask me questions. I want them to know I’m serious about it.”

Hollier said he wants to build a connection with the other candidates running because he will share the city council table with them in May.

“I’m going to have to run next year, because I’m just filling Don’s unfinished term,” Hollier said. “I want to make sure people know that I’m not just trying to do this for one year.”

Albanese said he has been at the polls from opening to close.

“It’s almost fun talking to people,” he said. “We almost forget we are out here on Election Day. We’re just talking to friends and neighbors. After a while, everyone is telling jokes and carrying on. We’re having a good time. It helps pass the time.”

Albanese said he grabs some barbecue at lunchtime or one of the candidates will make a run by a fast food place.

Natashia Barker represents mayoral candidate Jeff Ortiz while he is at work. The 21-year-old, who is a family friend of Ortiz, said it is good to see other young people involved in the voting process.

“It’s been eye-opening for me because I’m not one of the ones running,” Baker said. “I still see the political side of everything. I’m young, especially compared to everyone else out here. I feel like I have a different view of things.”

Barker said she normally avoids politics.

“I don’t like all of the hubbub about it,” she said. “It’s been a good experience. Most people my age don’t have this opportunity. People think only a certain generation gets out to vote, but that’s not true. We’ve had a lot of younger people. We’ve also had a lot of retirees, as well.”

While Ortiz has made it out to City Hall to thank people for voting, he said he does not believe campaigning outside of city hall will change anyone’s vote. Ortiz said he also shows up when he gets off work until the polls close.

“[Wednesday], I probably talked to 10 people. It’s good to see people get involved. I saw an 18-year-old girl vote for the first time. I don’t feel sitting under a canopy is a great use — I guess if you’re retired, it’s OK,” he said. “If people want to know about what I believe, they can check my website.”

Early voting will continue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Monday. Polls will be open for from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Election day is May 4.