"Election day" started in the United States (and its territories) earlier this afternoon. Guam is voting and has been for several hours now, so its not too soon to start an open thread.

For me, I'm most curious about the two county commission seats that are up, but I'm sure we'll find something else to talk about.

Also, I miss "I voted" stickers. They don't have them in the mail in ballots and wearing one around for several weeks is pretty dumb.

I've been thinking about a comment made by a young woman at the city council meeting. She mentioned how everyone keeps talking about how we need to "revitalize" downtown, but in her view it already IS vitalized -- as in, full of life.

I happen to share her view. I've lived downtown for a long time and I love it here. Almost everything I need (with the notable exception of affordable groceries) is just a few blocks away. Any time I walk down the street I cross paths with someone I know, or at least recognize. Community isn't just an abstract concept here, it's something you can see and feel. And hear... like the folks who saw fit to bang drums and sing songs at the top of their lungs on the street near my building tonight while I was trying to sleep. But hey, it's better than the pile driving that will wake me up tomorrow -- at least those people were enjoying themselves.

Anyway, what I'd like is to hear what people think is wrong with downtown Olympia. I'm especially curious about what the pro-condo crowd thinks, since they're such big fans of revitalization and all.

I have noticed an unusual energy the past two or three days.

Don't have much time to write so here goes:

Hazy sky; lots of military overflight, f-15s?, f-18s? and helicopters; are those bombs exploding that I hear tonight?

Anyone else noticed anything? Kind of feels like I would expect it to feel if Sauron was preparing to move.

bert

I have to admit, even though I'm a cautionary fan of all mail voting, election day doesn't hold the same zing (I guess that's the word I'm looking for) as it did back when I would have driven to a polling station this morning.

This would have been the first time I'd have brought my son with me too. Oh, the romance.

Ok, so what's everyone looking for today in the results?

Personally, I'm looking to see who ends up being in the Top Two with our congressman, Brian Baird. There are some local races that are interesting, like who is going to face off in the open seat in the 35th and whether Ed Holm will have a new job.

UPDATE: Forgot to add these links ealier today:

Thurston County Results

Statewide results 

What's happening in Oly-town today?

What's the word?

It looks like power is out at Evergreen, so the campus is closed until at least 1:00. Olympia schools are open, except for Boston Harbor, which also is without power.

More semi-coagulated wet stuff on the ground -- maybe ice underneath. Be careful on the roads.

From School Report.org:

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Olympia SD -- Two hours late start. No AM Pre School or Kindergarten. Buses operating on snow routes. High school early release canceled.

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It looks pretty sloppy out there -- glad I don't have to go out in it this morning. I'm sorry for those who do!

From School Report.org:

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Olympia SD -- All schools on time. Summit Lake and Cedar Flats buses on snow routes.

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For all you folks that are out there in the snow, or just taking a snow day -- this thread's for you!