The results are in, and without even considering which candidates won, I couldn’t be happier about the way this election worked out. Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, everyone should be encouraged about one thing in this election: the number of voters who turned out.

The pundits were predicting a record voter turnout, but I’m not sure anyone could have foreseen the numbers of voters who came out yesterday to cast their ballots. According to CNN, voter turnout this year was the highest it has been since women received the right to vote.

Voter turnout numbers have been on the low side for several of the past elections, and the number of young voters coming to the poll has been cited as a big factor, but this year, a staggering number of voters of all ages and cultural backgrounds made their voices heard.

The young vote was one of the deciding factors during this election season. Getting the young voters in America excited and energized about politics has been a priority for both parties in recent years, and finally, they have been successful.

Even here in Chenango County, the amount of participation and energy that has been associated with this year’s election has been remarkable. It was evident yesterday to anyone who drove through Norwich and saw the volunteers on both sides of the street, supporting their party’s candidates. I’m sure this is often done during elections, but the number of volunteers, young and old who stood outside all day waving signs was something I don’t remember seeing in recent years.