Vote for Yelp! Election Night Soiree, courtesy of Yelp.com

As all my friends can attest, I don’t talk politics with anyone, save my wife. (My vote is always a closely guarded secret.) So yesterday was a pretty quiet day for me. And that was actually kinda cool, because I didn’t get caught up in any hype or despair, and pretty much enjoyed just being in DC during a major, national election – which just happened to make history.

What I’m most pleased with is just how awesome the voter turnout was. This, my friends, is what democracy IS. Not who’s “team” won or lost, but the fact that we, as Americans, have the privilege to have a say in who our leaders are to be. And to see such excitement, such passion for the chance to exercise our voice – THAT is what the United States of America is all about.

So take a moment and enjoy a cross-cut of photos taken yesterday by citizens just like you and I, as they shared how they spent their Election Day.

voting, courtesy of zeul

Free “I voted doughnut”, courtesy of marrngtn (Manuel)

I voted, courtesy of voteprime

In line to vote, courtesy of MatthewBradley

DSCF3315, courtesy of SantaRosa OLD SKOOL

Turnout, courtesy of urbanbohemian

Camraderie, courtesy of kkfea

Polling Place with Line, courtesy of Mrs. Gemstone

dancing on the cars, U Street, Washington DC, courtesy of Travlr

Obama election celebration on U Street, courtesy of mlovitt

Lafayette Square Crowd with White House, courtesy of JCardinal18

VOTE, courtesy of lorigoldberg

Congratulations to EVERYONE on exercising your right to vote. Yesterday was history, people. And we were all a part of it.