To ensure there are ample support services and safe places available for survivors, Maricopa County made a $15 million investment in 2021. 

Throughout the last year, the funding provided by Maricopa County has facilitated meaningful change by bringing many of the support services, that were traditionally only accessible in shelters, into the community. This evolution has allowed the system to keep pace with the changing needs of survivors by making resources more widely available. In partnership with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV), this progress includes providing services to more than 31,913 families impacted by domestic and sexual violence. 

Arizonans in need of help to leave their situation, heal from the effects of sexual or domestic violence, or secure help for someone at risk can call the ACESDV Helpline Monday through Friday at (602) 279-2980 or text (520) 720-3383 or visit ACESDV.org/Helpline. Help is also available nationwide: 

• 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
• 24 Hour National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
• 24 Hour National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888

The Maricopa County Election Command Center held its third news conference of the General Election cycle on October 19 to discuss voter registration, signature verification, and other ways we ensure that all ballots are legally cast. You can watch the full press conference here or visit our YouTube page to watch prior press conferences. The Elections Command Center will serve as a central hub of information for the weeks leading up to and following the November 8 General Election.

Did you know there's a physical paper ballot for every single vote cast? Whether you vote early from your couch, in-person at a Vote Center, or cast your ballot on Election Day, a paper ballot is connected to your vote.

How do we know it's you? 
All mail-in ballot signatures are reviewed by trained staff and 100% of questionable signatures or unsigned envelopes are reviewed by managers. This system ensures only valid signatures are counted. State law provides voters with questionable signatures three days after a local election to confirm their signature and seven days after a large, federal election. You can track your ballot and learn more about signature verification at BeBallotReady.Vote

What about the machines we use? 
They are tabulation machines. They count dots on ballots. 

Before and after every election, accuracy tests are completed to verify that the ballot counting equipment was programmed correctly and counts ballots accurately. This is called the Logic and Accuracy test. The pre-test ensures the tabulation equipment counts the ballots accurately and the post-election test verifies no changes occurred on the equipment during the election. In short, it makes sure no tampering occurred.

But that's not all. After tabulation is done, the political parties take part in a hand count audit of a statistically significant number of paper ballots cast in the election and report their results. In November 2020, the results reported by the tabulation machines matched the results reported by the political parties in the hand count audit perfectly. 100%. This was the case in the recent August Primary as well.

This is just one example of the checks and balances in place to ensure an accurate count of all legal ballots.

Get more facts about Maricopa County elections  and go vote!

Maricopa County is partnering with ASU Enterprise Technology, Sun Corridor Network, and Digital Equity Institute to advance broadband internet across the region, especially to communities in need. According to Arizona State University, 70 percent of Arizona residents are still without adequate internet performance, which in the age of telecommuting is needed.

The money comes from American Rescue Plan funds and will be used through 2026 to strengthen digital proficiency and give internet connected devices to those in need.

The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has been busy in District 1!

Sossaman Road from Hunt Highway to Riggs Road is being resurfaced and curb ramps are being upgraded to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Resurfacing will be done one side of the road at a time and may impact travel; allow extra time for delays. Drivers should watch for restricted lanes, obey traffic control signs, and slow down in the work zone. The project is expected to be done at the end of November 2022. 

In Sun Lakes MCDOT removed 20 miles of the old roadway surface and replaced it with new asphalt pavement. It’s the first of two paving projects scheduled for the area. This type of maintenance ensures drivers can have a smooth ride and extends the lifespan of the roadway for thirty years with the new pavement. The project reached substantial completion this month and will be ready for the holiday season and in time for winter visitors. 

For additional information call (602) 506-3342 or visit mcdotprojects@maricopa.gov.