Despite the chilly weather and steady rain throughout the afternoon, supporters said they were happy to help their friends on Election Day.

Supporters of incumbent Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, whose family has held a seat on the council since 1936, said they felt obliged to help the city's longest-running political dynasty.

"It's a tradition," said Tom Calabrese, who held signs for Sullivan outside the Cambridge Municipal Building. "My father helped his grandfather and his father, so now I'm helping him."

Edward R. Goode, who held signs for Councillor Sheila T. Russell in North Cambridge, said he has worked for the Russell and her husband each election since 1967.

"We've had worse weather than this," he said. "All of us experienced people have gone through snow, sleet and rain."

Supporters spent the day passing out literature and asking pedestrians to vote, according to Daniel Turner, who held signs for Sullivan at the North Prospect Church voting place.

"I think [election workers] help tremendously," he said.

"Either people have made up their mind way before Election Day or they come undecided at the last minute," Turner said.

Russell's campaign workers stopped at polling places to check voting lists and give supporters hot coffee and sandwiches.

Candidates were also busy throughout the day.

Kelley stood outside the Peabody Street station because "I can't leave as long as I have people standing out in the rain."

Councillor Kathleen I. Born, with her husband John and daughter Charlotte in tow, stumped for votes in West Cambridge. "We've done everything we could do," Born said.

Vans driven by supporters for Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves 72' and candidate Barbara I. Pilgrim were spotted cruising the streets in North Cambridge and Central Square, and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. shook hands with voters outside the Harrington School in East Cambridge.

In his first trip to the polls since becoming an American citizen, Joe A. Fagundes yesterday cast a ballot for Toomey.

"[Toomey] stays around the city and when we need him for something, he's only a phone call away," Fagundes said.

"I know most of the people around here by name," Toomey said.