Selected Press Releases from Maricopa County Arizona Election Officials for the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election

Arizona « Selected Press Releases from Maricopa County

Maricopa County Elections Department
Communications Director
Megan Gilbertson
Maricopa County Recorder's Office
Public Information Officer
Diana Solorio
November 20, 2020

Board of Supervisors Certifies Maricopa County Election Results

November 20, 2020 (Phoenix) —Today the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors canvassed the 2020 General Election, certifying that the results are accurate and provided a full accounting of all the ballots cast in the election.

In the midst of a pandemic, more than 2 million, a historic 80.51% of Maricopa County voters, cast a ballot in the General Election, including a record-breaking 1.1 million voters who visited a Maricopa County Vote Center or Ballot Drop Box. The breakdown:

993,000 returned an early ballot by mail

1,109,000 voters used a Maricopa County Vote Center or Early Ballot Drop Box

o 158,000 in person early voters
o 51,000 in person emergency voting
o 186,000 in person Election Day voter (includes provisional ballots)
o 714,000 early ballot drop offs

“We’ve canvassed the General Election results and can assure Maricopa County voters proper steps were taken to ensure a full and accurate count of all votes,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “No matter how you voted, this election was administered with integrity, transparency and in accordance with state laws.”

Due to COVID-19, Maricopa County revised its election model because of an initial poll worker shortage and the need for physical distancing. The public heard the Election Department’s call for support, and more than 20,000 people contacted the office to become an election worker for the General Election.

“In a very challenging environment, Maricopa County was able to complete a secure and fair election. I am satisfied that we have accurate results,” said Supervisor Jack Sellers, District 1. “Even with a pandemic and other distractions, our election workers were able to maintain professionalism and count ballots faster than ever before with 100% accuracy and transparency. ”

“First and foremost, I want to reiterate what an honor it is to represent the people in my district and I have taken all phone and email messages of concern to heart, ensuring to leave no stone unturned in getting answers to questions raised about this election,” said Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2. “One’s right to vote is paramount and one that I will always work hard to protect. I sent an open letter to my constituents today to provide background and clarification to some of those questions and statements.”

Thanks to the leadership of Scott Jarrett and Rey Valenzuela, both directors of the Maricopa County Elections Department, just three days after the General Election, the county had already counted 2 million ballots, and finalized its count in 10 days. In 2018, it took 14 days to count 1.4 million ballots. In 2016, it took 10 days to count 1.6 million ballots.

“As a lawyer and an elected official, I took an oath to support the Constitution and the laws of Arizona,” said Supervisor Bill Gates, District 3. “This is not about who won or lost; this is about fulfilling our statutory duty. I am confident in the accuracy of the results, knowing that the Elections Department has gone above and beyond what has been done before, audition tens of thousands of race--a statistcally significant sample--and finding no errors.”

On Election Day, voters were able to choose from 175 locations versus the one assigned location in 2016. About 15,000 voters per hour checked into one of Maricopa County’s Vote Centers on Election Day. Lines were manageable, with more than 120 Vote Centers having peak wait times of no more than a few minutes.

“Today’s canvass is not an endorsement of one candidate over another. It is a certification that this election was done with accuracy and integrity,” said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5. “We expanded access, and more voters than ever before participated in this election. I’m proud of the staff, volunteers and observers who ensured that more than 2 million people in this county could participate in democracy.”

Nearly 92 percent of the voters that participated in the General Election did so early. With the expanded options, voters could cast an early ballot at up to 150 early and emergency voting locations, vote by mail, or drop off an early ballot at one of more than 20 secure ballot drop boxes. Due to COVID-19, the Elections Department also added new, drive through drop boxes in the parking lots of sport stadiums across the county.

“In the face of a pandemic, we expanded access to ensure voters had safe and secure voting options,” said Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes. “It’s incredible to know that more than 1.9 million voters were able to cast a ballot early in person at a Vote Center, by mail, or by dropping off their ballot. I’m proud to say we were able to pull off the most successful election in the county’s history, building a model for the future of Maricopa County.”

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About the Elections Department
The Maricopa County Elections Department serves more than 2.5 million registered voters as they exercise their right to make informed decisions regarding the selection of local and national leaders as well as ballot measures. Our work supports elections in Maricopa County cities, towns, school districts and special districts. Find out more at Maricopa.Vote.

Maricopa County Elections Department
Communications Director
Megan Gilbertson
Maricopa County Recorder's Office
Public Information Officer
Diana Solorio
November 3, 2020

Today is Election Day: 175 Vote Centers are Open

November 3, 2020 (Phoenix) —It’s Election Day and Maricopa County voters can cast a ballot at any of the county’s 175 Vote Centers.

In the face of a pandemic, Maricopa County has seen record General Election participation. More than 1.68 million voters have already participated in-person or by mail.

Today, Maricopa County has 175 voting locations open across the county with safety measures in place. Voters do not have an assigned location. They may choose from any Vote Center open from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Elections Department website includes wait times and the number of people waiting in line at each location. Voters can find a Vote Center that’s convenient for them at Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

Voters with an early ballot and signed green affidavit envelope can skip the line and drop it off at a Vote Center, secure ballot drop box or one of our new drive through drop boxes before 7 p.m. today. It’s too late to mail back an early ballot.

In-person voters can expect to see locations large enough to allow for physical distancing. The Elections Department has implemented enhanced safety protocols, including requiring poll workers to wear masks, face shields and gloves, and frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces and sanitizing pens after each use. Masks and gloves are available for all voters should they not bring their own. Find a complete list of locations and hours of operation at Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

The Elections Department will post unofficial results at 8 p.m. at Results.Maricopa.Vote and update the website throughout the night as results from county Vote Centers are delivered to our tabulation center. We will release more unofficial results around 7 p.m. daily until all verified ballots are counted.

The last day to vote in the November General Election Day is today, Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Visit BeBallotReady.Vote for more election information.

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About the Elections Department
The Maricopa County Elections Department serves more than 2.5 million registered voters as they exercise their right to make informed decisions regarding the selection of local and national leaders as well as ballot measures. Our work supports elections in Maricopa County cities, towns, school districts and special districts. Find out more at Maricopa.Vote.

Maricopa County Elections Department
Communications Director
Megan Gilbertson
Maricopa County Recorder's Office
Public Information Officer
Diana Solorio
October 30, 2020

Maricopa County Vote Centers Are Open This Weekend, Emergency Voting Begins Today

October 30, 2020 (Phoenix) —Maricopa County voters who have an issue preventing them from voting in-person on Election Day can visit any of the Vote Centers beginning at 5 p.m. today, Oct. 30 through Monday at 5 p.m.

State law requires that a voter must provide identification and sign a statement attesting that they have experienced an emergency preventing them from voting on Election Day. It is up to the voter to decide what qualifies as an emergency. Voters do not need to have an emergency to drop off their early ballot in its signed and sealed affidavit envelope over the weekend at any Vote Center or secure drop box across Maricopa County.

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved the Election Day and Emergency Voting Plan on September 16, 2020.

Nearly 100 locations are open today, October 30 and Saturday, October 31. Around 20 locations will be open on Sunday, November 1, and nearly 150 locations will be open on November 2. Find a location at Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

Voters are no longer assigned one location. On Election Day, voters can choose from any of the 175 Vote Centers open across Maricopa County.

Maricopa County is expecting historic voter turnout with nearly 2.6 million voters eligible to participate. Maricopa County has already seen an increase in early ballot returns, with more than 65 percent of early ballots requested already returned, totaling more than 1.4 million ballots.

The Elections Department has implemented enhanced safety protocols. In-person voters can expect to see locations large enough to allow for physical distancing. Poll workers are required to wear masks, face shields and gloves, and frequently clean high-touch surfaces and sanitize pens after each use. Masks and gloves are available for all voters should they not bring their own.

For voters who have not returned their early ballot, they can still drop it off at a secure ballot drop box or at any Vote Center now through Election Day on November 3 at 7 p.m. Voters also have the option to return their early ballot to any of the drive through drop boxes located throughout the County. Find a drop box location at Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

Voters can track their early ballot by texting "Join" to 628-683 or visiting BeBallotReady.Vote. We notify voters when their ballot has been received, signature verified and sent to be counted.

November General Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Visit BeBallotReady.Vote for more election information.

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Maricopa County Elections Department
Communications Director
Megan Gilbertson
Maricopa County Recorder's Office
Public Information Officer
Diana Solorio
October 28, 2020

Early Ballot Returns Exceed 2016 General Election; More Vote Centers Open Today

PHOENIX (October 28, 2020) - With less than a week to go before the election, Adrian Fontes, Maricopa County Recorder announced that Maricopa County voters have already returned more early ballots than were received in the 2016 General Election.

“Maricopa voters like to vote early and this election has been no exception,” Fontes said. “We are seeing a record number of early ballots returned and the enthusiasm is very exciting. I am so proud of my office and the team at the Elections Department.”

Fontes noted that, since the COVID-19 pandemic, Maricopa County has focused heavily on options to vote early - by mail or in person. With over 2 million ballots requested, 1.26 million early ballots have already been returned. More than 80,000 voters have cast their ballot early in person at Vote Centers across the county. During the 2016 General Election, 1,251,975 Maricopa County voters cast their ballot during the early voting period.

“Now that we are past the recommended date to return your ballot by mail, voters who still have their early ballot can drop it off at a Vote Center or ballot drop box,” Fontes said.
Today, voters can visit any of the 90 Vote Centers open to return their ballot or vote in person. Find locations and hours at Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

The early voting period ends October 30 at 5 p.m.

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About the Recorder’s Office
The Maricopa County Recorder’s Office administers voter registration and early voting for nearly 2.6 million registered voters. In accordance with the Elections Operations Agreement between the two offices, the Recorder’s Office will continue to support the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors once the early voting period ends. All elections administration is co-managed by staff to provide a seamless election and voting process for Maricopa voters.

Maricopa County Elections Department
Communications Director
Megan Gilbertson
Maricopa County Recorder's Office
Public Information Officer
Diana Solorio
October 22, 2020

More Voting Locations Open Today

Maricopa County Reminds Voters that the Ballot Request Deadline is Friday

October 22, 2020 (Phoenix) — With less than two weeks left in the election, Maricopa County is opening more in person voting options and ballot drop box locations.

Today, voters can visit any of the 48 Vote Centers, which are in large locations that will allow for physical distancing and enhanced safety protocols. The locations will offer extended evening hours and will be open weekends. Find locations and hours at Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

The ballot request deadline is also approaching. Voters have until 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 to request ballot in the mail at BeBallotReady.Vote. Voters can return those early ballots by mail or drop them off at any of the county’s Vote Centers or drop boxes.

New this election are the county’s contactless drive through drop boxes, opening on Saturday in the parking lots of 14 county sports venues and other locations. Voters will be able to return completed ballots in their signed and sealed green affidavit envelope from the comfort of their car. Trained staff will work at all drive through drop boxes, and will deliver the sealed envelopes to the Elections Department nightly, tracking the chain of custody and keeping ballots secure. Find sites and hours of operation at Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

Maricopa County is expecting historic voter turnout with nearly 2.6 million voters eligible to participate. Maricopa County has already seen an increase in early ballot returns, with nearly 40 percent of early ballots requested already returned. About 825,000 early ballots from Maricopa County have already been processed.

Voters can see what’s on their ballot, find out where to vote, sign up to vote by mail and more at BeBallotReady.Vote.

The last day to cast a ballot is Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.

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About the Elections Department
The Maricopa County Elections Department serves more nearly 2.6 million registered voters as they exercise their right to make informed decisions regarding the selection of local and national leaders as well as ballot measures. Our work supports elections in Maricopa County cities, towns, school districts and special districts. Find out more at Maricopa.Vote.

Maricopa County Elections Department
Communications Director
Megan Gilbertson
Maricopa County Recorder's Office
Public Information Officer
Diana Solorio
October 20, 2020

November General Election Tabulation Begins Today

October 20, 2020 (Phoenix) – The Maricopa County Elections Department begins counting early ballots today, with more than 645,000 ballots ready for tabulation.

The county has mailed over 2 million ballots, and more than 20,000 voters have already chosen to vote in person.

Thanks to a 2018 law that allows ballot counting two weeks prior to Election Day and upgraded tabulation equipment, Maricopa County will be able to count more early ballots, and do it faster than in previous elections.

The county’s new equipment, upgraded in 2019, includes features designed to improve efficiency, tabulation speed and security over the tabulation process. It also comes with a new ballot style where voters mark ovals instead of arrows.

The Elections Department will release unofficial results at 8 p.m. on Election Night. The county estimates that nearly all early ballots returned by the end of the month would be included in the first upload. The Elections Department will post results from Maricopa County’s 175 Election Day Vote Centers throughout Election Night.

After Election Day, the county will post unofficial election results nightly at 7 p.m. and provide an estimated number of ballots left to count.

Voters have until November 10 at 5 p.m. to provide acceptable identification for provisional ballots and to verify any mismatched signatures on their mail ballot affidavit envelope.

Results are final once all ballots are counted and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors canvasses the election (A.R.S. § 16-642).

Maricopa County is expecting historic voter turnout with nearly 2.6 million voters eligible to participate.

The county is expanding voter options for the November General Election, while focusing on the health and safety of voters and poll workers. Voters can choose to vote by mail or vote in-person.

Voters have until October 23 by 5 p.m. to request a ballot in the mail at BeBallotReady.Vote. In-person voting is available, with Vote Centers open since October 7 and more locations opening on October 22 in large locations that will allow for physical distancing and enhanced safety protocols.

Drive through drop box locations open in the parking lots of 12 county sports facilities on Oct. 24.

Find Vote Center and drop box locations and hours at Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

Voters can see what’s on their ballot, find out where to vote, sign up to vote by mail and more at BeBallotReady.Vote.

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Maricopa County Elections Department
Communications Director
Megan Gilbertson
Maricopa County Recorder's Office
Public Information Officer
Diana Solorio
October 7, 2020

Today: November General Election Early Voting Begins

October 7, 2020 (Phoenix) – Early Voting begins today for the November General Election. More than 2 million early ballots are on their way to voters, and in-person Vote Centers open today.

Maricopa County is expanding voting access for the November General Election, while focusing on the health and safety of voters and poll workers. Voters can choose to vote by mail or vote in-person from October 7-November 3.

Voters who requested a ballot by mail or are on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) should expect to see a yellow envelope in their mailbox within a week. The last day to request a ballot in the mail is October 23 at 5 p.m.

Voters have several options to return their completed early ballot in their signed and sealed green affidavit envelope:

By Mail — The recommended deadline to mail back an early ballot is October 27. Postmarks don’t count!
In Person — Voters can drop off signed early ballot packets at any Vote Center or secure ballot drop box. Locations are open October 7-November 3.
New! In Your Car — Maricopa County voters can drop off signed early ballot packets from the comfort of their car at contactless drive through drop boxes. Drive through locations are open October 24 and October 31-November 3.

Voters can track their early ballot during the General Election by texting “JOIN” to 628–683 or by visiting BeBallotReady.Vote.

Seven Vote Centers also opened today in large locations that will allow for physical distancing. More locations will open throughout the month, including some evenings and weekends, dramatically expanding access for voters. On Election Day, in-person voters can choose from any of the 175 Vote Centers across the county. There are no assigned voting locations.

There are enhanced safety protocols at all Vote Centers. Poll workers are required to wear masks, face shields and gloves, and are frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces and sanitizing pens after each use. Masks and gloves are available for all voters should they not bring their own.

Find Vote Centers, wait times, drop boxes and more at Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

The county is expecting historic voter turnout as more than 2.5 million registered voters are eligible to participate in the General Election. The Federal District Court for the District of Arizona ordered that Arizona extend the voter registration deadline to October 23 at 5 p.m. for the November General Election. While the decision is currently being appealed, residents may continue to register to vote in the upcoming election. Residents may register online at ServiceArizona.com or download a paper form at Register.Maricopa.Vote.

Voters can see what’s on their ballot, find out where to vote, sign up to vote by mail and more at BeBallotReady.Vote.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

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