If Mitt Romney is elected President, he would become the country's first Mormon president.
But, what does the American public know about the Mormon religion? Bakersfield Mormons say there are many myths.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is the best known voice for a religion that, for many, remained a mystery until Mitt Romney came onto the scene.
"I believe in America, and I am running for President of the United States," said Romney during his announcement.
Presidential candidate and Mormon Mitt Romney is bringing his religion to the forefront.
"It's certainly caused the visibility to be raised, questions to be raised about the church and people asking questions," said Michael Hawkins, Stake President for the Bakersfield Area Mormon Church.
They're questions the Mormon Church wants answered, so there are fewer misconceptions. For example, some people think Mormons don't consider themselves Christians. That is false.
"Sometimes people are surprised to learn that we are actually Christians, that we do believe in Jesus Christ," said Hawkins.
Some people think Mormons don't believe in the Bible. That is also false.
"We use the King James version of the Bible," said Jeff White, member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Probably the biggest misconception is that Mormons can have multiple wives. That is false.
"The church did at one point practice polygamy in the 1800s, over a hundred years ago. That was discontinued. We haven't done that for a long time," said Hawkins.
What about drinking? Many think Mormons can't drink alcohol or coffee. Actually, that is true.
"We do live the Word of Wisdom, which means we don't drink coffee or tea and we don't drink alcoholic beverages," said Laurel White, member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
But, beyond their rules they feel like any other person.
"Typically, we are traditional members of the community. We go to work every day. We drive a car. We buy gas and go to the grocery store and take our kids to school," said Hawkins.
Mormons in Bakersfield make up nearly five percent of the city's population and counting. Many here say they are voting for the man who could put their religion in the White House.
"There are approximately 15,000 members of the church in the Bakersfield area," said Hawkins. Thousands of members, who go to three different churches, and they're getting larger.
"In the Bakersfield area, the church is progressing and growing. We are adding people to the congregation," said Hawkins.
