George for Raleigh Election Watch Party

What is a mayoral election party like, if the question is not about winning, but whether your candidate will come in last or second-to-last? If you’re with George Knott and crew, the company is good, the analysis of local politics is bountiful, and the mood is far from glum. George is a musician who has read the local newspaper every morning for three decades, whose preferred uniform involves converse sneakers. Unbothered by the idea of losing, he jumped into the race with the intent of shaking things up and a hilariously written platform.

Friends and neighbors perched around the house or out in the yard, washing down the results with burgers, a bit of bubbly, and chocolate cake.

Checking results on the small screen as they roll in.

Getting the big screen ready for official results.

At about one percent! The day before the election, George put out a notice to locals to funnel their votes to city council member Zainab Baloch.

“The last thing I want to do is split any sort of chance for us to get a progressive mayor in office,” he wrote. “I see your threads and comments on social media. I know how disgusted you are with your top three choices. I’m going to vote for her because my vote counts and your vote counts too. Vote for who you believe in. I believe in her.”

By the end of the night, George had 737 votes. Ms. Baloch accrued 3, 501 - fourth place by a wide margin. It’s a very American dilemma; often a clean conscience doesn’t win elections. But it does enable you to gather with your friends and look them in the eye on the first cool day in October.

George’s father examines the numbers up close.

A group of decided cat people with a spinach-devouring cat.

Somehow, as the evening wound down everyone ended up in the new shed out back, shooting the breeze in the warmth of a construction light.

That’s all for now! A huge thank you to George Knott for being willing to bring a photographer into this gathering, and to all of his friends for being warm and welcoming.