As a conservative Internet consultant based in Washington, DC I've been anticipating this day - election day - for nearly two years. While some voters regrettably only pay attention in the final days before casting their vote, I've been watching the candidates like a hawk to see how they've been using (or being used by) the Internet.

Regardless of which candidate you're voting for, I believe we're standing at the beginning of a brighter day for democracy and good government. Citizen participation is expected to increase dramatically which means more people will have bought in to the democratic process. I believe that's a good thing because the winner will eventually have to answer to a giant, sweaty citizen-mob who can't wait to stand up and make an impact on the process of governing.

Participation has increased throughout the campaign because politicians have been reaching Americans where they spend a heckuva lot a time: the Internet. Websites and watering holes like MySpace and others have played an important role in helping fuel the people-powered revolution of American politics. Because of this need to reach citizens wherever they may congregate we face the very real reality of having a weekly Presidential address live-streamed to the American people. Indeed the first modern presidency is near.

Both John McCain and Barack Obama have made it clear that they will use the Internet to communicate effectively if in office. More than a year ago I was on a bloggers conference call with Senator McCain where he said as much in response to my question on the issue. As for Barack, technology advisers close to him have told me that Barack will deploy the Internet throughout his Administration to improve government.

We've just begun assessing what it all means but we know that after tonight it'll never be the same. The Internet has improved the political process for candidates, citizens, and democracy. The naysayers who feared the Internet were once again proven wrong.

And I expect political geeks like me won't have to wait long for the next campaign. After all, it's days away from starting.