In recent weeks we have received several questions regarding the upcoming election and are providing this message for answers to both those who have inquired with my office and others who may be looking for clarity.
This 2020 General Election we are expanding voting options. We have a robust early voting period, and on Election Day, voters no longer have just one assigned location. They can now vote at any of our 175 Vote Centers. Most locations have 9 to15 check-in stations. We will have a total of 1,700 check-in stations across the County. On Election Day, most voters will be just 1.27 miles on average from a Vote Center.
Maricopa County is expecting historic voter turnout with nearly 2.6 million voters eligible to participate. We have seen an increase in early ballot returns, with more than 55 percent of early ballots requested already returned, totaling more than 1.2 million ballots. As of today, over 80,000 voters have chosen to cast a ballot in person, early.
With historic turnout, voters can expect to see some lines on Election Day. But our larger locations are designed to serve 1,500 – 2,200 voters. If turnout exceeds our projections, we will have a poll worker assigned to provide voters with wait times and addresses for other Vote Centers in the area. Voters can also see live wait times on our website at Locations.Maricopa.Vote to find a location that will work within their schedule.
We’ve past the recommended deadline to mail back your early ballot. If you haven’t returned your early ballot you can drop it off at any Vote Center or secure ballot drop box. You may also vote in-person between now and Election Day.
In order to be valid and counted, state law requires voters to return ballots to the Elections Department or vote in person prior to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd. For an early ballot, a voter must sign the green affidavit return envelope so their vote can be counted.
Voters can track their early ballot by texting "Join" to 628-683 or visiting BeBallotReady.Vote. The text message service will notify voters when their ballot is prepared, mailed, received, verified and counted.
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. Note if you see a line, it may be attributed to physical distancing protocols and again, voters can also see live wait times on our website at Locations.Maricopa.Vote to find a location that will work within their schedule.
The last day to vote is Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
Sincerely,
Steve Chucri, DIstrict 2
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
www.maricopa.gov/steve
602-506-7431
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