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"See the voters?" I asked Baby J as we stood on the steps inside our polling place. He stared at the people passing, looking completely blank. I remembered that he probably would need a nap pretty soon. Freezing air stalked in through the open window to our left and was blown about by the inexplicable fan placed directly next to it.

Because I can, I had dressed my baby in a completely seasonally inappropriate outfit that was intended for the Fourth of July. My idea in compiling the outfit was to look patriotic, as befits a baby accompanying his mother as she votes. (Hey, Baby's First Fourth, Baby's First Election, same thing.) He was wearing a onesie with shorts attached that said "USA: All American Boy." I had added in the red, white and blue USA socks Freckles' mom had gotten him for added effect.

Can I just mention my complete and utter failure to understand voting procedures? I have voted in most elections since I turned 18, and I still don't get it. Supposedly there were all these different areas in my polling place, and we were all supposed to vote in different sections. So there were signs telling us which line to get into, but you couldn't see the sign till you got close to the desk. Because of high voter turnout and lines we couldn't see the desk till we'd been standing in line for twenty minutes -- which, I guess I can't really complain all that enthusiastically about, since it does mean that people care.

Basically, I picked the nearest line, got into it, and hoped for the best. While waiting, I was inspired by some senior citizens in front of me who were discussing absentee ballots. "I don't know what it is," said one woman, "but I don't feel like I'm doing it right unless I actually leave the house and get into my polling place." Good for her, I wanted to say to Baby J, but I somehow curbed my general tendency to talk to him constantly so I could instead pretend to look sane.

It must have been my lucky day, because the line I chose actually worked. My name was on the list, we got my ballot, and Baby J didn't crumple up the voting materials beyond recognition. Actually, Baby J helped me vote. He was a very good helper. "Look," I told him as I filled in the blanks with one hand, "see mommy vote?"

Sometimes I think the people who pass me on the street probably think I'm insane.

Maybe it was the weather, but voting today made me feel really happy. I felt like I was doing something positive and contributing to our country in a good way. I was happy to set a good example for my son. I have hope that things are going to get better. Right now I'm watching the CNN projection that Obama will be elected president. It looks like New Year's Eve. People are so happy -- they have flags and they're crying and laughing and singing. On our couch, Baby J is jumping on Freckles and laughing as he jumps.

Was it Harvey Milk who said "you've got to give 'em hope"?

I hope it was.