CHICAGO Text of Democrat Barack Obama’s speech in Chicago after winning the presidential election, as transcribed by CQ Transcriptions:

OBAMA: Hello, Chicago.

MCCAIN: Thank you. Thank you, my friends. Thank you for coming here on this beautiful Arizona evening.

My friends, we have — we have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly.

A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him.

(BOOING)

Please.

Hampton Roads has been no stranger to media coverage recently, with frequent visits from all the major presidential and vice presidential candidates. Today, the national and international media will be spread out across the state to watch Virginia prove its battleground status.

VIRGINIA BEACH Eighteen years ago, a youthful lapse of judgment tagged Lecia Woodhouse with a felony conviction for credit card fraud, forgery and theft. She was sentenced to supervised release. After her sentencing, she attempted to register to vote, but her registration wasn't accepted because she was a felon.

PRE-ELECTION DAY Kelsey voted! Read her about her experience By Kelsey Quidley Teen correspondent

As I sit here and contemplate the meaning of democracy and government, it suddenly hits me that I can vote. I am about to be part of our future. It’s pretty awesome.

Tuesday's elections promises to set records for turnout. Election officials warn that voting is likely to require waiting in lines for a while. To make the experience less stressful, here is information about what to expect, where to get information, and your rights as a voter.   BEFORE VOTING

By Ben Smith Thank you for your e-mails!

When John McCain and Barack Obama started running for president in 2007, they were two of the most universally liked and respected politicians in America — men who even members of the opposite party saw as decent, unifying characters — and neither of them inspired much loathing.

Well, that was then.

By Stephanie Kassab Cavalier Daily

With just a few days until the election, the 18- to 24-year-old demographic has the potential to make its most significant impact in the history of presidential elections. But how much young voters will be able to “rock the vote” remains uncertain.

CHESAPEAKE

Although Deborah Cole could have voted in last year’s 2007 elections and the fall 2008 Chesapeake city elections, this nearly 20-year-old Greenbrier resident made sure she registered in June so she could vote in the 2008 presidential elections.

ISLE OF WIGHT Pompeyo Castaneda took the long road to citizenship – barefoot through miles of cactus and brush, fending off rattlesnakes and surviving on jack rabbit and armadillo. He was 11 years old. Thirty-nine years later, on Sept. 4, Castaneda accomplished his proudest achievement – his U.S. citizenship.