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Here’s what it looks like when voting goes right

Hours after the polls had closed in North Carolina, there were traces of blue and red in the uptown skyline. Multicolored lights were draped near the top of the Truist Center skyscraper, and depending on your perspective, the TRUIST marquee almost looked like a prediction for the GOP nominee.

Meanwhile, the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections building looked like uptown Charlotte during rush hour. There were cars streaming in and out, dropping off bags and ballots. Even as major news outlets were poised to announce North Carolina’s winner, these champions of democracy were still at work.

At the center of it all was a steady hand – the BOE’s Public Information Director, Kristin Mavromatis, who has worked in this space since 1996.

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As election results came in, one North Carolina county opened its doors to show democracy in action. The election showed how healthy the process is.

“It’s still a thrill for us, but this isn’t my first rodeo,” Ms. Mavromatis said with a confident smile. “I’ve been here since 4 a.m. … I wish people would do this at every election, not just the presidential election.”

Part of that excitement might have been precarious, if the 2020 presidential election was any indication. It was a time of conspiracy theories and election intimidation that left elections officials on edge. And there was always that possibility this time, too. The fact that Mr. Trump won – and handily – undercut potential narratives of conspiracy and fraud.

Instead, this election was allowed to be what it was: A reminder of the remarkable process that fuels American elections without bias –and the remarkable men and women who make that possible. The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections building was just one of the hundreds of places across the country that made sure voters’ voices were heard.

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