The White House the prize, President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney raced through a final full day of campaigning on Monday through Ohio and other battleground states holding the keys to victory in a tight race. Both promised brighter days ahead for a nation still struggling with a sluggish economy and high joblessness.
President Obama wrapped up his final push through the swing states with a stop in Des Moines, Iowa Monday night. The President attended rallies in Wisconsin and Ohio earlier Monday.
In Chicago, the McCormick Place Convention Center stands ready for President Obama to watch the returns and an Election Day rally with thousands of supporters.
WATCH: Media descends upon Windy City
On Monday, Local 10's Ross Palombo and other members of the media arrived in Chicago.
Ross wasn't the only South Floridian who is in Chicago to watch the returns with the President.
I don't presume to represent Florida, but I'm part of our people up here," said Dr. Jean Pierre Austin.
Austin, a doctor in Coconut Grove, and his wife traveled 1,400 miles to be with the President on Election Day.
"Hopefully to celebrate a win," said Austin. "Hopefully by 8 p.m., election will be called."
For nearly 10 million Chicagoans, many who overwhelmingly voted for President Obama in 2008, the excitement is also building.
"It's always exciting when the president is in town," said one voter.
"I think everyone is rooting for him," said another voter.
Romney to watch returns in Boston
Meantime, Romney will be in Boston, where he was Governor from 2003 until 2007, to watch the returns.
In his longest campaign day, Romney raced from Florida to a pair of speeches in Virginia to Ohio and then an election eve rally in New Hampshire.
Local 10's Glenna Milberg is in Boston, where Romney will be watching the returns after he makes campaign stops in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The Boston Convention Center, where Romney will be on Tuesday evening, is busy with preparations. He is voting in his precinct earlier in the day.
WATCH: Convention Center readies for Romney camp
Thousands of media members were setting up at the Boston Convention Center on Monday. But not everyone was aware Romney was going to be there.
"I had no idea he was going to be here," said one man who was at the Boston Convention Center for a different event.