I’m watching Obama cast his vote at a school in Chicago live on TV right now. It’s taking him forever – how long does it take to mark the “straight democratic ticket” ? 🙂

I think it’s wonderful Obama has taken his girls with him while he votes. My own daughter is 6 years old and I took her with me to the primary, and also when I filed my early vote a few days ago in the general. It’s important to show kids the basic mechanics of Democracy in action, and it certainly has made her more enthusiastic (she told my dentist yesterday, “I’ll be so glad when this election is over!”). I think my daughter will remember this election for the rest of her life, and certainly so too will Obama’s daughters. Watching your parents debate, discuss the issues, and then cast their vote is the best civics lesson you can have about democracy.

Ah, Obama just finished voting. It took him about 15 minutes! He received a standing ovation from those present.

UPDATE: Obama comments on his vote:

“I feel great and it was fun, I had a chance to vote with my daughters… I feel really good.

“You know I’m sure I will tonight – that’s when polls close. The journey ends but voting with my daughters, that was a big deal. I noitced that Michelle took a long time though. I had to check to see who she was voting for.”

Heh.

UPDATE 2 – video from Associated Press: