Even the dogs come out to vote

The mood was relaxed at Elysian Heights Elementary School as about 25 voters -- and a handful of dogs -- lined up outside the polling place, a rose-colored Spanish stucco school in Echo Park. The No on Prop. 8 people brought poll workers a pink box of donuts, then stood outside the schoolyard gate reminding voters a no vote was a vote in favor of gay marriage.

The dogs were tied to trees while voters went inside a classroom to cast their ballots. An occasional bark could be heard and one loud, snarling faux fight ensued when someone tried to have her dog share a tree with an Akita. But overall it was a serene scene.

Also lining up were local artist Peter Shire and former Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg, who emerged after voting bellowing, "Ah, Democracy!" The people waiting in line broke into applause.

-- Gale Holland