Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Michael Mayo column: Early returns: Broward vote cause for pride, not shame.(Column)

Byline: Michael Mayo

Nov. 2--I showed up at the African-American Research Library at lunchtime on Thursday, happy to find a spot in the overflowing parking lot, ready to do my civic duty. A woman at the front door handed me a card with the number 287 and directed me to a back room. J.R. the security guard guided me to a seat. So began my 86-minute journey through the historic presidential election of 2008. "I just feel like I need to get it done," said Cynthia Reese, who held number 290, as we waited in a lecture room. "I'm afraid if I wait until Tuesday, I might be there till Wednesday." Something remarkable is happening this Election Fortnight in …