The democratic process works – so far

Regardless of who wins this election, there is good news for all of us from the campaigns: US democracy appears to be working.

Although there have been some problems with equipment and some unfounded bomb threats against polling stations, the voting process has been relatively smooth so far. The election workers were able to do their work safely, long lines formed and the ballot papers were processed. Participation rates are high, as is early voting. And thankfully, despite former President Donald Trump's toxic rhetoric, no major incidents of violence were reported.

Regardless of who wins this election, there is good news for all of us from the campaigns: US democracy appears to be working.

Although there have been some problems with equipment and some unfounded bomb threats against polling stations, the voting process has been relatively smooth so far. The election workers were able to do their work safely, long lines formed and the ballot papers were processed. Participation rates are high, as is early voting. And thankfully, despite former President Donald Trump's toxic rhetoric, no major incidents of violence were reported.

It's a good reminder that despite everything that happened after the 2020 election, the process worked well before and during. Even amid a polarizing pandemic, election officials across the country have rolled out systems that allow Americans to vote by mail and through drop boxes while figuring out how to get citizens safely through the polls on Election Day. Voter turnout was high – nearly 160 million, a significant increase of more than 20 million from the 2016 election. None of this was easy. Some even called it is a “miracle”.

Regardless of who comes out on top, there will be bitter tensions in the electorate and the post-election period will remain fraught with danger. Assuming current patterns continue, however, it's worth celebrating what state and local law enforcement, poll workers, election officials and, most of all, voters themselves have accomplished in a deeply divided map. Americans are exercising their hard-won right to vote, and the infrastructure that supports that right has stood the test of time.