The polls offically closed at 8  p.m. on Nov. 6, bringing an end to the 2012 election.

The presidental election highlighted a ballot that also included numerous propositions that will shape California over the next few years.

The greatest concern of voters was the presidential race between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney.  Obama won with 332 electoral votes to Romney’s 206,  and a little more than 50 percent of the popular vote.

With Obama’s re-election, there is a chance for tax increases on the rich and tax cuts for the middle class to stimulate the economy.

Obamacare and other democratic programs will remain. But most Democrats look to Obama to be stronger in his principles during his last term in office and be less lenient to conservatives in Congress.

Closer to home, Measure D barely passed with slightly more than the required 55 percent.  The extension of the parcel tax will provided schools in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District with $260 million  for school renovations.

In California’s 15th Congressional district, challenger  Eric Swalwell replaced long-time incumbent and fellow Democrat Pete Stark.

Five of 10 California propositions  – 30, 35, 36, 39,  and 40 – passed, and the remaining five failed.

Proposition 30 raises taxes on high income earners and state sales tax .25 percent to 7.5 percent to generate $6 billion annually help fund public education.

There were many predictions regarding the failure of Proposition 30, including more cuts in school days and college tuition hikes.

Also related to schools, Proposition 38 failed. It would have increased taxes for 12 years to provide some $10 million for public education.

Proposition 34 failed, which would have discontinued the death penalty and replaced it with a life sentence.

With the polls closed and the adds discontinued, America has a chance for a strong future, but that future requires cooperation and hard work.