What does it take to run a free, fair and peaceful election?

An air-gapped room to show that tabulation machines aren't connected to the internet at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center. The Elections Department galvanized security and transparency measures after the election denial movement in 2020.

An air-gapped room to show that tabulation machines aren't connected to the internet at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center. The Elections Department galvanized security and transparency measures after the election denial movement in 2020. Photo by Caitlin O'Hara - for NPR

Millions of ballots are tabulated at the Maricopa County Tabulation Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Inside and out, the building is a fortress.

It's the legacy of the 2020 election when armed protestors gathered outside the building on election night. After Arizona was called for Joe Biden there were months of allegations about voter fraud.

At a time when election results are routinely challenged, candidates cry foul and protesters threaten violence...what does it take to run an election?

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