Election day in New York. Long lines, but everyone was happy.

Local store owners were even turning up and giving out free pizza to those lined up to vote. The respect that Americans have for their voting process is amazing. They genuinely value the right to vote. I think it is something we take for granted in Australia as it is compulsory.

The election debates here had a higher percentage of the viewing audience than the grand final (of any code) does in Australia. The debates are shown in primetime on multiple channels. I can't imagine that ever happening in Australia for a polical debate. We just do not take our democracy as seriously as Americans do.

We went out on election night to a few different bars in the West Village area to soak up the atmosphere on election night. The election was on TV on all the channels and sports took a distant second place to the excitement of the election night.

Most people in the bars were not entirely versed on the electoral college system of the US, and seemed surprised when it was announced that Barack had won when California closed. A few college students and me knew it was happening and counted down to the 11pm close and history in the US.

It was great to be here and be part of the moment. I have numerous (conflicting) views about what this means and what it means for the future. Most of the Americans I have talked to about it after the election have been very positive about the future. This is an excellent change and it will be an exciting time over the next few months in the US!