Election Day. I voted for my usual odd collection of Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians. One cool surprise was a referendum calling for a new state Constitutional Convention. I voted for it, and I love the idea. We could all attend in powdered wigs.

The polling place was full, but not mobbed, a very civil group. The election workers looked to be either too young to vote, or way past 80. The voters were a wonderful collection of crotchety old ladies, moms with kids in the booth, mid-level women in those skin-tight cycling pants, guys in sweats.

I am always startled at first by the notion that each one of those people has a vote which carries exactly the same weight as mine. Then I multiply it out in my mind, seeing thousands and thousands and millions and millions of people, each of them with a brain and dreams and loved ones and pet peeves and secrets. Then, I always think, this is what makes democracy so effing great. It’s kind of a miracle. It always knocks me out.