FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       June 26, 2019

Maricopa County Recorder Releases Statement on Board of Supervisors’ Adoption of Elections Work Group Recommendations and Appointment of Additional Director-level Position

PHOENIX—Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes has released the following statement on the Board of Supervisors’ adoption of the Elections Work Group recommendations:

“Adopting the recommendations of the Elections Work Group makes voting more transparent and accessible in Maricopa County and provides the Elections Department more resources to complete secure and timely processing of election results. I applaud the Board of Supervisors’ vote to supply the Recorder’s office and Elections Department with the tools necessary to offer best-in-class elections.

“In Arizona, the law divides the responsibilities for elections between the Recorder and the County Board of Supervisors. The voters want us to work together to give them the best elections possible, and I am encouraged by the vote to procure new tabulation equipment and increase staffing resources, both of which being necessary to run world class elections for America’s 4th largest county.

”I look forward to working closely with the Board and Mr. Jarrett in his new role as Director of Election Day and Emergency Voting to implement the Elections Work Group recommendations and further improve our system. The addition of this co-director position clarifies the roles defined in statute for the Board of Supervisors and Recorders as election administrators. Special appreciation to Chairman Bill Gates for his leadership re-engaging the Board of Supervisors in their statutory duties with regard to elections - the partnership will make elections stronger for all Maricopa County voters.”

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Contact: Kathren Coleman

Kcoleman@risc.maricopa.gov

Maricopa.Vote