As the final votes are tallied for this week's elections, the results remain essentially what they were on Tuesday as supporters for various initiatives and candidates gathered throughout the city to rally, celebrate and grieve. Subterfuge editor Sarah E. Caples and I attended a few of these celebrations to read the early vibes. Two big parties were held in the Edgewater Hotel at pier 67 for Dow Constantine and Joe Mallahan. At the Dow party, the crowd in the center of the space was jubilantly chatting and drinking while on the periphery a diverse group knelt and sat around laptops, live-blogging and tweeting as the results came in. They didn't stop even when Constantine took the stage at around half past 8 to declare victory. Perhaps the bloggers were checking to see when Hutchinson would concede the race, for she hadn't by the time that Constantine had left the stage.

The crowd quickly thinned as Constantine answered specific questions from the press. Many descended one floor to the Mallahan election party, but the air there was more of suspense and concern. That suspense has continued over the last few days and the concerns have been realized as McGinn remains ever-so-slightly ahead. Among those who stayed behind on the top floor were State Representative Reuven Carlyle and writer and political insider Tim Killian. We also chatted up designer, social and PNB Backstage Pass Board Member Noel Gaudette, who looked stylish as ever.

At Pravda in Capitol Hill, revelers were celebrating the early lead of Referendum 71, which has now officially passed. The exuberant atmosphere was quite a change from the more reserved parties at the Edgewater, and guests danced and dined insouciantly. At the risk of sounding snarky, I found it rather appropriate that at a party for civil rights equality centering on gay domestic partnerships, many attendees seemed to be consciously trying to dispel the nagging stereotype that all gay people dress and dance well. What is important is that they seemed to be having a good time while doing it.

Congratulations to all the winners and to the families preserved by the passage of Ref-71. More pics from the night follow below.

Political insider and writer Tim Killian at the Dow Constantine election party.

Politico Colleen Kerr and Retired Director at Google Peter Wilson at the Edgewater. The couple also attended the Ref-71 party at Pravda.

Local designer and PNB Backstage Pass Board Member Noel Gaudette.