Because we can! That’s why!

My day,

7:30am–print out ACLU worst case scenero sheet (lots of numbers to call if I get to the polling place and find out my name is on a list of convicted felons).

7:45–dress in special election day outfit: layers for warmth, chucks for comfort while standing in those long, long lines.

8:00– leave apartment.

8:04–face-plant onto sidewalk.  I’m okay!  Burly guy helps me up, asks me,  “are you okay, mami?”  Continue walking to polling place.

8:10– arrive at local public school, follow the trail of white people to the room with the voting booths. Seriously, lots of white people (and Latinos.)  More white people that I thought lived in Inwood.  It’s like a farmers market.   But without apple cider (or the “I voted” stickers).   Find the table for my election district.  No line.  They find my name, take my signature and usher me into a booth.

8:11-8:13– I flick the lever for Obama.  I feel good.  A little apprehensive, but good.

8:13– leave voting booth, notice that 10 people have lined up at my district’s table.  I have to be the only person in the country who did not have to wait in line to vote.  I win at timing.

Interlude of non-election day stuff (like work).

7:30pm– arrive at the Takeaway’s election night party, buy the first of several drinks.  Watch returns.

11pm– CNN calls it for Obama.  We cheer, dance and repair all the property that we destroyed eight years ago when they called it for W.