Why It Matters
Maricopa County, a swing county in Arizona, had tabulated more than 1 million ballots by Monday as officials prepared for Election Day voting and continued counting.
What Happened
The Maricopa County Elections Department said it was prepared for situations that could arise Tuesday. The county had scheduled 254 polling locations, planned for 4,000 volunteer poll workers and assigned 800 workers to the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center.
Officials expected 250,000 people to vote in person on Election Day. Polls were scheduled to open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Mail-in ballots could be returned at polling places or ballot drop boxes until the 7 p.m. deadline.
Kate Brophy McGee, chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, said, “Remember, Maricopa County is a swing county in a swing state.” Jennifer Liewer, communications director for the County Elections Department, said, “We have back ups to the back up plans.”
The county expected the first batch of election results at 8 p.m., followed by a second batch about an hour later. Officials planned twice-daily evening updates after Election Day, with counting continuing throughout the week.
Maricopa County also asked the U.S. Department of Justice to screen election observers for election-related convictions. The county said it had a successful meeting with the department about observer concerns and did not expect further issues. It also said uniformed federal law enforcement would not be used to disenfranchise voters at polling sites.
The county was working on a solution for voters in Rio Verde Foothills. Gov. Katie Hobbs had declared a state of emergency for the entire state.
By the Numbers
Over a million — ballots tabulated by Monday.
254 — Maricopa County polling locations open on Election Day.
4,000 — volunteer poll workers planned.
800 — workers planned at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center.
250,000 — people expected to vote in person on Election Day.
2.5 million — registered voters in Maricopa County.
10 to 15% — voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day.
8 p.m. — expected posting time for the first results batch.
6 a.m. — Tuesday poll opening time.
7 p.m. — Tuesday poll closing time and mail-ballot drop-off deadline.
Zoom Out
Maricopa County’s plans covered both in-person voting and the processing of ballots already submitted. The county’s schedule also separated initial results releases from the additional counting expected to continue throughout the week.
What’s Next
Polls were scheduled to open Tuesday at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The county planned to release initial results that evening, provide twice-daily updates afterward and continue counting throughout the week. Voters could find additional information at Maricopa.Vote and my.arizona.vote.