Have you heard? There's an election tomorrow!

As polls close across the country, many of us who have concerns over the direction of Iowa and our nation will gather to watch and respond to the results.

There will be a great deal of attention focused on the presidential race—and with good reason. But that is not the only issue that has lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and allied voters watching this election very closely. Here in Iowa, we will be focused on the state Senate majority, a justice who is up for retention, and a few key congressional races. One Iowa will also keep a close watch on the support for the freedom to marry in Maine, Maryland and Washington State, while our neighbors to the north, Minnesota, face a mean-spirited marriage amendment. We will be monitoring their results with particular concern. As the only state in the Midwest with marriage equality, Iowans are actively cheering for pro-equality Minnesotans who are putting everything they have into this election.

So where do spirited equality supporters come together to see and to respond to vote totals, discuss the future of the nation, and still have fun? Where can we see vote totals as soon as they are posted? Chat about electoral votes without sounding like a wonk? And have a beer at the same time? At the Ritual Café, of course, for the official 2012 One Iowa Election Watch and Celebration Party.

What: 2012 One Iowa Election Watch and Celebration Party

Where: 1301 Locust Street Des Moines, IA 50309

When: Tuesday, November 6, 7 to 11 pm-ish

If this sounds like your kind of night, you should join us. Ritual Cafe will have their yummy vegetarian and vegan fare for purchase along with a selection of fair trade coffees, teas, wine and beer.

We hope to see you there! Please note, media will be in attendance.

Oh, and prepare for a long night. Remember the 2000 election?

And of COURSE we have a Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/366693463416910/