FINAL - AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY AND EMERGENCY VOTING PLAN.PDF

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Executive Summary / Info Graphic  ............................................................................................................... 3 
1.0. Election Day and Emergency Voting Plan  .............................................................................................. 4 
2.0 Voter Turnout and Wait-time Reduction Plan ......................................................................................... 9 
3.0 Communications Plan ............................................................................................................................ 16 
4.0 Staffing Plan ........................................................................................................................................... 23 
5.0 Training Plan .......................................................................................................................................... 29 
6.0  Facilities and Logistics Plan ................................................................................................................... 33 
7.0 Central Count and Tabulation Plans ...................................................................................................... 41 
8.0 Risk Management and Contigency Plans  .............................................................................................. 45 
9.0 Election Plan Costs ................................................................................................................................ 49 
Appendix A (Training Topics by Roles / Facility Type)………………………………………………………………………………. 50

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1.0 – Election Day and Emergency Voting Plan 
The Maricopa County Elections Department’s (Department) Election Day and Emergency Voting Plan 
outlines the strategies, constraints and tactics staff will use to prepare for the August Primary Election on 
August 4, 2020. The plan is intended to ensure the Elections Department provides voters with a safe, 
reliable, secure, and accessible election and in-person voting option. The plan also informs Maricopa 
County voters and other stakeholders on key information and activities so they are prepared to successfully 
participate in the election.   
To ensure alignment and coordination, the Director of Election Day and Emergency Voting developed this 
plan in conjunction with the Early Voting Plan prepared by the Director of Election Services and Early Voting.  
The Maricopa County Recorder (Recorder) approved the Early Voting plan for the August Primary Election. 
1.1 – Maricopa County Elections Department 
In June 2019, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (Board) partnered with the Recorder to provide 
shared oversight over the Elections Department. The Board appointed a Director of Election Day and 
Emergency Voting to oversee the activities for which they are statutorily responsible and to collaboratively 
work with the Director of Election Services and Early Voting to manage the Elections Department’s shared 
resources. The co-directors are also responsible for ensuring the Elections Department meets voter needs 
and that hand-offs between divisions are seamless and operate efficiently. The following chart outlines 
assigned responsibilities for the Elections Department.    
MARICOPA COUNTY ELECTION DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES 
Director Election Day  
& Emergency Voting 
(Scott Jarrett) 
Shared 
Director of Election Services    
& Early Voting 
(Rey Valenzuela) 
 
• Recruitment & training of Poll 
Workers, central boards, and 
temporary staff 
• Warehouse & Logistics 
• Election Day operations 
• Emergency Voting operations 
 
 
• Ballot preparation 
• Tabulation 
• Transition from Early 
Voting to Election Day 
• Election Department 
Communications 
• Candidate Filings 
 
• Uniform and Overseas 
Citizens Absentee Voting  
• Special Election Boards 
• Signature Verification 
• Early Ballot Processing 
• Provisional ballot 
processing

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1.2 – Maricopa County Elections Mission and Vision 
The Maricopa County Elections Department’s mission and vision drive operations and areas of focus.  They 
help us improve our operations and motivate staff by guiding department strategies and goals.  
MISSION 
The mission of the Maricopa County Elections Department is to provide Maricopa County voters 
with accessible, reliable, secure, transparent, and efficient election services to build public 
confidence and trust in the election process. 
VISION 
Our vision is to promote a culture of service, continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration, 
and integrity in every action, strategy, objective, and election process. 
 
1.3 – Planning for the Election and Responding to COVID-19 
The Elections Department began planning for the August Primary Election in over twelve months before 
the 2020 election. Given the impact of COVID-19 and the impact it had on the March Presidential 
Preference Election, the Department adjusted plans. The adjustments included moving from a precinct 
based in-person voting model to a vote anywhere Vote Center model complemented by a robust amount 
of early voting options.  The new model will provide safe, accessible, reliable and secure voting options for 
Maricopa County voters.   
1.3.3 – Safe In-Person Voting Options 
The Election Department has developed safety protocols that align with the Center for Disease Control 
(CDC) guidelines and in conjunction with recommendation from the Maricopa County Public Health 
Department.  Due to the rapidly changing information that is emerging on how best to prevent the spread 
of COVID-19, the Election Department will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and receive guidance from 
health officials in order to implement the most up-to-date safety protocols and cleaning procedures for the 
safety of Poll Workers and voters. Poll Workers.  Key safety protocols that we are implementing include:  
- 
Physical distancing: All voting locations will be large enough to accommodate physical distancing. 
We are separating check-in stations, voting booths, precinct tabulators, and areas for standing in-
line by at least six feet to allow for adequate physical distancing. We will also be providing signage 
and markers to implement physical distancing for voters when standing in line outside our Vote 
Centers.   
- 
Protective Safety Supplies:  We will be providing all voters with the ability to wear disposable latex 
gloves during the check-in and voting process. Our Poll Workers will also be provided with masks 
and gloves to wear while working at our voting locations.   
- 
Frequent cleaning and disinfecting:  Our cleaning procedures require the cleaning and disinfecting 
of high touch surfaces every 30 minutes.  If a voter chooses not to wear glove during check-in and 
while voting, we will immediate clean those surfaces after the voter uses them.   
- 
Encouraging good hygiene: We will ask Poll Workers to monitor themselves for symptoms (e.g., 
high temperatures, cough, sore throat, loss of taste/smell) and to frequently wash their hands.  In

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addition to hand sanitizer, we will also have hand washing stations or bathrooms available for 
voters and Poll Workers to wash their hands.   
1.3.1 – Increased Access to Voting  
In the 2018 August Primary election voters had 41 in-person voting options on Election Day.  In 2020, we 
are increasing the amount of in-person voting options to be between 75 and 100 locations.  These locations 
will serve as “vote-anywhere” Vote Centers.  Voters will be able to choose the location that is most 
covenant for them to vote, whether that is close to where they live, work, grocery shop, eat out, or perform 
other activities.     
In partnership with the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office, we are also opening most of the Vote Centers 
prior to Election Day in a phased approach to significantly expand early voting options.  This expansion will 
include opening Vote Centers on weekends and during evening hours.  The phased opening schedule for 
the geographically dispersed Vote Centers is listed below.   
Phase 1 – 5 Vote Centers (28-day sites) open from 7/8/2020 through 8/4/2020 
Phase 2 - 55 additional Vote Centers (14-day sites) open from 7/22/2020 through 8/4/2020 
Phase 3 – 15 - 25 additional Vote Centers (7-day sites) open from 7/29/2020 through 8/4/2020 
Phase 4 – 5 - 20 additional Vote Centers (1-day sites) open on 8/4/2020 (Election Day) 
The 75 - 90 Vote Centers that open prior to Election Day will be open for weekend voting occurring during 
the July 25th / 26th and August 1st / 2nd weekends.  A final list of Vote Centers and hours of operations will 
be published at Locations.Maricopa.Vote approximately 30 days before the election. 
1.3.2 – Improved Reliability of Voting Options and Operations    
The move to a Vote Center model to respond to COVID-19 significantly increases the reliability of voting 
options and operations.  During the March 17, 2020 Presidential Preference Election, we encountered 
challenges with retaining Poll Workers, voting facilities, and obtaining cleaning and safety supplies.   The 
revised model improves our ability to recruit sufficient amounts of Poll Workers to work at our Vote 
Centers.  In our outreach efforts, we are including many Poll Workers that are not included in a high-risk 
categories as identified by the Center for Disease Control.  We will also be hiring 10 Poll Workers per-site 
which will allow for the Elections Department to still provide in-person voting options even if 30 – 40 
percent of our Poll Workers were absent.   
We are establishing lease agreements with vacant retail facilities in areas with patterns of high amounts of 
in-person voting.  This helps ensure that these facilities will be available in the event of another wave of 
COVID-19.  We will not be establishing facilities in senior living and other similar locations to minimize the 
risk of having to cancel a location as we approach the election.     
 
 
1.3.4 – Secure Voting Options

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The Elections Departments maintain a series of strong physical, operational, and network security controls 
over voting operations. Security protocols prevent us from describing these control measures in further 
detail.  
 
1.4 – August Primary and Jurisdictional Elections  
The August Primary is an election in which voters choose their preference for their party’s candidate in the 
November General Election.  In Maricopa County, we will have federal, statewide, and countywide elections 
on the ballot.  State law determines that for the purposes of increasing voter participation and for 
decreasing the costs to taxpayers, certain elections should be consolidated (ARS 16-204).  The August 
Primary is one of these elections.  In addition to the federal, state, and county contests, there will be 221 
local jurisdictions that have candidates and/or issues on the August Primary Election ballot.  Each voter will 
receive only one ballot with all the contests that they are eligible to vote.  Maricopa County will have 5,262 
unique ballot styles for the August Primary.      
1.5 – August Primary Election Calendar  
The critical operational dates for the upcoming August Primary Election are included in the table below.  
These dates will drive election Department planning activities.   
AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION KEY DATES 
Date 
Description  
April 6, 2020 
Candidate Filing Deadline  
June 20, 2020 
Mail ballots to uniformed and oversees voters  
June 22, 2020 
The Board Approves the Election Day and Emergency Voting Plan 
July 6, 2020 
Launch “Where Do I Vote” Webpage 
July 6, 2020 
Voter Registration Deadline  
July 8 – 31, 2020 
Early Voting Period 
July 29, 2020 
Recommended Date to Return Ballot By Mail 
August 1 – 3, 2020 
Emergency Voting 
August 4, 2020 
Election Day 
 
 
                                                          
1 Cities and Towns of Apache Junction, Avondale, Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler, El Mirage, Fountain 
Hills, Gila Bend, Gilbert, Glendale, Guadalupe, Litchfield, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, 
Surprise, Tolleson, Youngtown, Wickenburg

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1.6 – Emergency Voting  
State law gives the Board the authority to authorize the use of emergency voting centers for each election 
and requires the Board to specify in a resolution the location of the emergency voting centers and the hours 
of operation (see A.R.S. § 16-411(B)(5)). “Emergency” means any unforeseen circumstance that would 
prevent the voter from voting at the polls on Election Day. Eligible voters who experience an emergency 
between 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding the election and 5 p.m. on the Monday preceding the election may 
vote at an emergency voting center in the manner prescribed by the Board (see A.R.S. § 16-542(H)). 
Before receiving a ballot at an emergency voting center, a voter must provide identification.  The voter 
must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury containing substantially the following language: “I 
declare under penalty of perjury that I am experiencing or have experienced an emergency after 5 p.m. on 
the Friday immediately preceding the election and before 5 p.m. on the Monday immediately preceding 
the election that will prevent me from voting at a polling place on Election Day.”  These statements are not 
subject to public inspection pursuant to Title 39, Chapter 1, Article 2 (see A.R.S. § 16-542(H); A.R.S. § 16-
246(F)(2)). 
If the Board approves a resolution for the use of emergency voting centers, Maricopa County’s Emergency 
Voting plan is to staff 75 - 90 geographically dispersed sites throughout the County for eligible voters to 
cast a vote if they experience an emergency. To minimize voter confusion, we use the same voting locations 
that are used during early voting as emergency voting locations.  The Elections Department will present the 
emergency voting locations and hours to the Board for approval along with the lists of voting locations and 
Poll Workers in June 2020.   
 
1.7 – Election Department Innovations  
In June 2019, the Board approved an additional 26 new full-time positions for the Elections Department 
and the lease of a new tabulation system.  
The new positions include additional trainers, recruiters, technicians, and leadership roles. With the new 
staff, the Elections Department has the resources to implement a continuous improvement philosophy 
throughout all operations to support Early and Election Day voting.  Specific improvements affecting 
Election Day include providing more training and outreach options for Poll Workers, additional supply kits 
building checkpoints, and more voter outreach. 
The new tabulation equipment will increase how quickly and reliably we can count votes, while also adding 
additional layers of security. With the new equipment, we will be introducing a new ballot style that is 
easier to vote because it uses ovals rather than arrows.

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2.0 – Forecasting Turnout and Reducing Wait Times  
To effectively plan for the 2020 August Primary Election, the Elections Department developed a series of 
models to forecast how many potential voters are likely to turn out and vote early or on Election Day. We 
used this forecast to determine the amount of voting locations and temporary workers (e.g., Poll Workers 
and central boards) that are needed to have a successful election and serve the voters of Maricopa 
County.  We also use these forecasts to develop strategies to minimize voting location wait-times.   
 
Recent elections point to a potential historic voter turnout in the August Primary Election.  Prior to 
COVID-19, election models estimated over approximately 700,000 voters would cast a ballot in the 
Primary Election with approximately 100,000 of those voters turning out in-person on Election Day.  We 
will be introducing methods to make it as easy as possible for voters to choose how they want to 
participate in the August Election. Part of the methods will include informing voters of their options to 
vote early by mail at home, vote early in-person at early Vote Centers, or vote on Election Day at one of 
the 75 to 100 vote-anywhere Vote Centers. We are confident that these strategies and voting options will 
sufficiently accommodate voter turnout and reduce wait-time to less than 30 minutes on average per 
voter.  
 
2.1 – Scope and Objectives 
Forecast models include Early Voting and Election Day turnout projections for the August 2020 Primary 
Election. The Wait-Time Reduction Plan focuses on both Early and Election Day voting at Vote Centers and 
meets statutory and legal requirements outlined in section 2.1.1 below. The objective for creating a 
forecast model and Wait-Time Reduction Plan includes:   
• 
Create and use a forecast model that provides a reasonable estimation of Early Voting and Election 
Day turnout.  
• 
Use the model to develop Election Day, Emergency Voting, and Early Voting plans to reduce wait 
times at voting locations.   
• 
Refine the forecast as new information becomes available. 
• 
Develop a strategy to inform voters of wait-time at each locations so they can make informed 
decisions on where and when to vote.   
2.1.1 – Statutory and Other Requirements  
State statute (See A.R.S. § 16-411(J)) requires that counties provide a method to reduce voter wait-time at 
the polls. The Arizona Secretary of State defines wait-time as the duration of time from when the voter 
arrives in line to the time the voter is provided a ballot or access to an accessible voting device.2   
 
The Secretary of State’s Procedures Manual also requires that the officer in charge of elections establish 
and approve a specific wait-time reduction plan to ensure that voters do not have to wait in lines at the 
voting location for more than 30 minutes.  
 
                                                          
2 Arizona Secretary of State 2019 Elections Procedures Manual (page 166).

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On October 19, 2016, Maricopa County and the Secretary of State entered into a settlement agreement3 
with Arizona electors. In the settlement, Maricopa County agreed to develop a Polling Place wait-time 
reduction plan for the 2016 General Election and subsequent Primary, General, and Presidential Preference 
Elections through 2020.  
 
2.1.2 – Forecast Model Constraints and Considerations  
Elections occur infrequently and turnout is largely driven by a product of current events, candidates 
involved in the contest, and voter engagement.  There are two major factors driving uncertainty in the 
forecast models. The first factor being the impact of COVID-19 on voter patterns. The second is that the 
August Primary moved to be the first Tuesday in August rather than in late August. The movement of the 
date to be earlier in the summer could increase early voting requests, as voters may not have returned to 
Phoenix from vacations or from second homes. To overcome these constraints, we prepared three separate 
forecast models.  As a precaution, we used the model with the highest projected in-person turnout to drive 
decisions about the amount of voting locations.   
2.2 – Voter Registration Increases  
Since August 2018, active registered voters in Maricopa County increased from 2,226,858 to 2,387,688 (6.8 
percent). The majority of these new voters have signed up for the Permanent Early Voter List (PEVL).  The 
chart below shows that the monthly pattern of voter registration increases by party since August 2018.    
As of June 2020, there were 2,387,688 active registered voters in Maricopa County, 1,756,280 (73.9 
percent) were registered for the PEVL.  Since registration activity tends to increase leading up to an election, 
we anticipate there will be between 2,393,000 and 2,437,0004 voters actively registered by July 6, 2020, 
the voter registration deadline for the August Primary Election.   
 
                                                          
3 Huerena, et al., v. Reagan, et al., CV2016-007890 
4 As of 6/1/2019, there were 2,387,688 active registered voters in Maricopa County.  There was 1.2 months 
between June 1 and the July 6 voter registration deadline.  Low end of range: Since August 2018 the average 
monthly increase was .3 percent (5,087 new voters).  High end of range: Leading up to the 2018 general election, 
voter registration for all voters increased on average by 1.67 percent per month (47,649 new voters).      
789,329 
839,339 
648,980 
749,491 
788,549 
798,858 
 600,000
 700,000
 800,000
 900,000
Aug-18
Sep-18
Oct-18
Nov-18
Dec-18
Jan-19
Feb-19
Mar-19
Apr-19
May-19
Jun-19
Jul-19
Aug-19
Sep-19
Oct-19
Nov-19
Dec-19
Jan-20
Feb-20
Mar-20
Apr-20
May-20
Jun-20
Voter Registration Increases by Party Since August 2018
Republican
Democrat
OTHER (IND, PND, LBT, GRN)

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There were 777,895 voters not registered with a party (e.g., Independents, Party not Declared). In order 
for an Independent voter to participate in the Primary Election, they are required to pick the ballot of either 
the Republican or Democrat parties.  Due to COVID-19, we will be sending each of these voters a direct 
mailer informing them of their options to request an early ballot.  We are also focusing an entire phase of 
our paid media campaign to inform Independent voters of their need to pick a ballot (see section 3, page 
16 for our Communications plan).        
2.2.1 Forecast Models  
Given that elections are rare and that there are many year-to-year factors that can influence turnout, we 
developed three forecast models to estimate turnout. The forecast modes are designed based on the 
following five factors outlined in the Secretary of State’s Elections Procedures Manual: 
1. Voter turnout from the prior two elections of a similar type;  
2. The number of ballots (including regular, early, and provisional) cast in the prior two elections of a 
similar type (A.R.S. § 16-411(J)(1));  
3. The number of registered voters, both active and inactive ( A.R.S. § 16-411(J)(3));  
4. The number of registered voters who requested an early ballot or are on the permanent early 
voting list (PEVL), ( A.R.S. § 16-411(J)(2));   
5. The potential number of ineligible voters that could attempt to vote. 
The first model is based on average turnout during the 2016 and 2018 August Primary Elections, the most 
recent August Primary Elections. The first model estimates that total turnout will be approximately 699,636, 
with 98,413 voters turning out on Election Day.  
 
 
 
 
 
Forecast Factor 
2016 August 
Voters 
2018 August 
Voters 
2020 Projection 
Voters 
Registered Voters (Active Voters Only) 
2,056,458 
2,229,718 
2,395,738 
Turnout Percentage (Active & Inactive) 
23.6% 
28.0% 
25.8% 
Turnout Percentage (Active Voters Only) 
27.0% 
31.4% 
29.2% 
Total Turnout 
555,844 
699,636 
700,318 
Election Day - Eligible Voters Only 
70,601 
101,464 
95,818 
Election Day –Provisionals Not Counted 
1,271 
2,178 
1,891 
Election Day Turnout (Election Day & 
Provisionals Not Counted) 
71,872 
103,642 
97,709 
Voters requesting early mail in ballots (presidential preference election 2012 – 54% / 2016 – 67%) and 
signing up for the Permanent Early Voting List (2020 – 73.8%) have steadily increased.  This trend will likely 
continue, especially with COVID-19 and lead to a decrease in voters choosing to vote in-person on Election 
Day during the August Primary.  However, when making decision on resources needed to serve in-person 
voters, we did not add a factor that decreased turnout due to COVID-19.

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2.2.2 Second Forecast Model  
To determine potential turnout, the second model used voter registration patterns and historical turnout 
in recent August Primaries.  It also used the same factors recommended by the Secretary of State’s Elections 
Procedures Manual but focused on Primary Elections held in presidential election years (August 2012 and 
August 2018 Primary) and estimated that total turnout will be approximately 676,892. The model estimated 
that approximately 96,391 voters could turn out on Election Day.    
 
 
 
 
Forecast Factor 
2012 
Voters 
2018 
Voters 
2020 Projection 
Voters 
Registered Voters (Active Voters Only) 
1,833,229 
2,229,718 
2,395,738 
Turnout Percentage (Active & Inactive) 
22.7% 
28.0% 
23.11% 
Turnout Percentage (Active Voters Only) 
26.3% 
31.4% 
26.69% 
Total Turnout 
483,047 
699,636 
627,797 
Election Day - Eligible Voters Only 
84,581 
101,464 
96,577 
Election Day –Provisionals Not Counted 
1,691 
2,178 
2,026 
Election Day Turnout (Election Day & 
Provisionals Not Counted) 
86,272 
103,642 
98,603 
 
2.2.3 Third Forecast Model  
For the third model, we forecasted turnout based on the in-person turnout for the Primary Elections in 
2012 (86,581 – 4.7%) and 2018 (101,464 – 4.65%).  The 2012 and 2018 Primary Elections were the most 
recent similar elections with the highest in-person turnout percentage. By estimating an in-person turnout 
percentage of 4.75%, slightly higher than 2012 and adding, a factor that considers voter registration 
increases that could reach 2.45 million active voters, we estimate that there could be approximately 
116,000 in-person voters on Election Day.  Given the uncertainty of forecasting elections and the unknown 
of how COVID-19 will influence turnout, we used this highest projection for developing wait-time mitigation 
strategies. 
2.4 – Wait-Time Reduction Plan  
Due to challenges presented by COVID-19, the Department is changing from a precinct model to a “vote 
anywhere” Vote Center model. One of the primary drivers for this decision is that many of the voting 
locations that Maricopa County has used in prior elections will not be viable voting options when 
considering safety protocols (e.g., large enough for physical distancing) needed to keep locations as safe as 
possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, many of the our traditional locations have declined 
to serve as a voting location, not responded to our requests, serve high-risk populations, or are not large 
enough to implement physical distancing safety protocols. Despite these challenges and the changes we’re 
making to the model, the Elections Department remains committed to limiting wait-time to be under 30 
minutes on average for our voters.

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Our first step in planning to reduce wait-times was to use historical information to forecast turnout. 
However, voter turnout is only one factor that can cause long lines on Election Day. Other contributing 
factors include training, contingency plans, time of day voting patterns, check-in speeds, length of the 
ballot, and access to early voting options. The Election Day, Emergency Voting, and Early Voting plans 
outline our considerations for forecasting turnout and managing these factors to reduce wait-times and 
lines at voting locations. Using both the turnout forecast and lessons learned, we are developing plans to 
reduce wait-times.  Below are some factors and potential bottlenecks that may cause wait-times during the 
August 2020 Primary Election and activities Maricopa County is implementing to mitigate them.   
 
Check-in Process 
The Elections Department will deploy the use of SiteBooks to check-in voters at all voting locations. The 
SiteBook is a voter check-in system, with similar functionality to an electronic poll book referenced in state 
statute.   They were first introduced in the November 2017 jurisdictional elections. Prior to 2016, Poll 
Workers used manual check-in rosters, which slowed down check-in times. The SiteBook provides faster 
check-in speeds because it allows for more than two voters to check-in simultaneously at a polling location 
and connects directly with the Recorder’s voter registration system, providing an enhanced and 
streamlined voter experience. Check-in speeds from recent elections (e.g., 2018 General Election and 
March 2020 Presidential Preference Election) average between 90-120 seconds per voter. The SiteBook 
check-in terminals guide voters through a series of screens. Voters answer questions, in their choice of 
English or Spanish, to establish identity, eligibility, and the correct ballot. With a barcode scan of an ID or 
by entering the voter’s name, voters check-in and prove their identity with a Poll Worker. For the ID 
requirement, a voter can provide one of the acceptable forms of photo identification, two forms on non-
photo identification, or a permissible combination of one photo and one non-photo identifications.  
 
Vote Centers and Check-in Stations 
The County will open between 75 and 100 vote anywhere Vote Center locations on Election Day. The Vote 
Centers are regionally dispersed and many will also be open during the 27 day early voting period.  We plan 
to open them in the following phases:   
 
• 
July 8, 2020 – 5 Vote Centers (27-day Vote Centers) 
• 
July 22, 2020 – 55 Vote Centers (14 – day Vote Centers) 
• 
July 29, 2020 – 15 to 25 Vote Centers (7 – Day Vote Centers) 
• 
August 4, 2020 – Between 5 to 20 Election Day Vote Centers 
 
For the 2020 August Primary Election, we plan to increase the number of check-in stations per location by 
3-times (on average) the amount used during the 2018 Primary Election. In 2018, we provided each voting 
location with three SiteBook check-in stations. We will equip each voting locations with 9-15 SiteBooks 
totaling more than 900 check-in stations across the county.   
 
Time Needed to Vote a Ballot  
The length of the ballot or a limited number of voting booths can create wait-times at a voting location.  
We have evaluated the time it takes to vote a ballot and established sufficient capacity in our voting 
locations to reduce bottlenecks.  For the August Primary Election, we have over 5,000 different ballot styles 
to accommodate different voting precincts, splits, and jurisdictions. The majority of ballots will have 
between 12-18 contests.

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On average, we estimate that it will take voters between 3-6 minutes to vote the August Primary ballot.  
Based on this time estimate and the amount of time we have calculated it takes to check-in, we can 
determine how many voting booths we need to eliminate bottle necks in our polling locations. We’ve 
established the following guidelines for implementing physical distancing while also providing sufficient 
check-in stations and voting booths to accommodate voters and minimize wait-times.   
 
• 
1,800 square footage – 2,499 square footage: 9 SiteBooks / 20 Voting Booths 
• 
2,500 – 3,500 square feet: 12 SiteBooks / 30 Voting Booths 
• 
Over 3,500 square feet: 15 SiteBooks / 40 Voting Booths  
 
Provisional Ballots  
The Elections Department will work to reduce the number of voters required to vote a provisional ballot in 
two ways:   
 
1. We will hire a voter registration clerk for each polling location to assist voters with address and 
name changes on the SiteBooks. These are common situations that cause provisional ballots.  
2. We will provide 75-100 Vote Centers equipped with ballot-on-demand technology and SiteBook 
check-in stations to serve as a vote anywhere locations. Vote Centers will be geographically 
dispersed throughout the county and will provide voters the option to vote at a location that is 
most convenient for them, which may be near their work, gym, favorite restaurant or while running 
errands.   
 
Poll Worker Training  
As described in the Training Plan (Section 5, page 29), the Elections Department will require all Poll Workers 
to attend training. We understand temporary Poll Workers live throughout the county and have other 
responsibilities, so we plan to offer online training and several locations in-person training options where 
inspectors, judges, and voter registration clerks (those responsible for check-in voters) can practice using 
our SiteBook check-in equipment.  The in-person training sessions, some of them across the county, will 
ensure our Poll Workers are prepared. In addition, we will customize our training for the distinct duties of 
each Poll Worker and create training manuals that cover the nuances and equipment procedures of every 
election.  We will post the manual on the Elections Department’s website by July 2020.  
 
Poll Worker Staffing Contingencies  
We are hiring 30 additional Poll Workers that will undergo Inspector level training and work for 27 days at 
the Elections Department assisting with setup, training, and other critical roles to gain sufficient level 
experience that if needed we can redeploy these inspectors if a Poll Worker at a voting location is absent. 
If needed and after obtaining approval from the Hotline supervisor, an Inspector may also hire Poll Workers 
from the line of voters.  We are also hiring an additional four Poll Workers per site for a total of ten Poll 
Workers.  These additional four Poll Workers will allow for coverage during the two week early voting period 
and if we encounter absenteeism due to COIVD-19. The election department could experience 30%-40% 
absenteeism from Poll Workers and still be able to provide in-person voting options.       
 
Equipment Support

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Poll Workers, Trouble Shooters and Technical Trouble Shooters are trained on solutions to correct problems 
in the voting location. We have developed specific SiteBook procedures for checking in voters through an 
off-line mode if the virtual private network connection is lost. If a SiteBook terminal becomes inoperable, 
Technical Trouble Shooters will be quickly dispatched with a replacement.  
 
Additionally, technical Trouble Shooters carry in their vehicles a back-up precinct tabulation machine, 
replacement printer cartridges, and other commonly used supplies in the event a location’s equipment 
needs repair.   
 
Vote Centers are equipped with two high-speed ballot-on-demand printers, creating a much-needed 
redundancy to prevent lines in the event one printer needs service or repair. 
 
2.5 – Wait-Time Remediation   
For the August Primary Election, we are implementing a systematic process to monitor wait-time and 
respond accordingly. We have programmed our Site Books to calculate wait-times based on the amount of 
voters in line.  The application is designed to calculate wait-time using a formula based on check-in speeds 
and inputs of how many people are in line.  We are training our Poll Workers to count voters in line and 
report this information on the SiteBook every 15 minutes.  The information flows to a workflow logging and 
dispatch system monitored by the Elections Department’s TroubleShooter hotline. This information is 
immediately updated on the Elections Department’s information command center. Through this new 
system, the Elections Department will have access to real time information about voter wait-times.   
 
If wait-times exceed 30 minutes, Inspectors or Trouble Shooters will work with Department staff to assess 
the cause of the issue or bottle neck. Depending on that assessment, additional resources can be deployed 
to add capacity to the location or provide technical assistance.  Additionally, Poll Workers can advise voters 
of the closest Vote Center.  In addition to this new technology, we are also hiring an extra Poll Worker for 
all voting locations on Election Day to assist with monitoring lines and reporting wait times.

16 | P a g e 
3.0 – Communications Plan 
This Communication Plan outlines our approach to informing key stakeholders in Maricopa County about 
the August 2020 Primary Election. The purpose of this plan is to establish the communication requirements 
for the election and outline how the Elections Department will communicate that information. The scope 
of the Communications Plan describes the following: 
 
• 
High level messaging about the 2020 August Primary Election 
• 
The primary audience and stakeholders for our outreach 
• 
Our paid and earned media strategy 
• 
Our Election Day strategy 
• 
How we will handle sensitive and crisis communications  
 
3.1 – Communications Channels 
 
The public and media can find official communications from the Elections Department through the 
following channels:  
 
• 
Email – electioninfo@risc.maricopa.gov 
• 
Website   
o English - Maricopa.Vote | BeBallotReady.Vote 
o Spanish – Maricopa.Voto | TengaBoletaLista.Voto 
• 
Phone – 602-506-1511 
• 
Social Media  
o Maricopa County Elections Department (@MaricopaVote) – Facebook & Twitter  
o Maricopa County Recorder’s Office – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram  
• 
Press Releases & Media Alerts 
3.2 – Communication Approach & Strategy  
It is essential that elections-related communications between all county government and the public are 
consistent, accurate, and reliable. The Communications Plan serves as a guide that outlines the Elections 
Department’s paid and earned media strategy, crisis communications strategy, as well as events and other 
tactics to inform key stakeholders about the August 2020 Primary Election. In addition, changes or updates 
may be required due to reasons such as changes in personnel, scope or budget. 
3.2.1 Stakeholders and Audience 
Primary audience for the Communications Plan: 
• 
Maricopa County voters 
Additional stakeholders include: 
• 
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors & Maricopa County Recorder 
• 
Elections Department and Recorder’s Office staff 
• 
Temporary staff including Poll Workers and central board workers

17 | P a g e 
• 
Vendors 
• 
Vote Center facility owners and operators 
• 
Political parties 
• 
Election-focused advocacy groups 
In addition, we continually work to engage with groups about the election process through The Roundtable 
Project, hosted by the Recorder’s Community Relations Team. These meetings give groups the opportunity 
to provide input to us on how we can provide free, fair, and accessible elections for all eligible Maricopa 
County voters.  The open forum invites these groups to participate in discussions about how to improve 
elections within their communities. The roundtables will culminate in a Town Hall on the Primary Election.  
The Early Voting Plan provides more details on the Roundtable program and other community outreach 
efforts. 
3.2.2 Campaign Messaging Strategy 
In light of COVID-19, it is critical that Maricopa County provide voters with a safe and secure primary 
election. We understand that now, more than ever, voters need flexibility to choose how they would like 
to vote—whether in person or by mail at home. 
 
Our campaign messaging strategy will focus on how Maricopa County is making it easier for voters to 
choose how and when they want to vote in the primary election. The August 2020 Voter Options Campaign 
incorporates both Election Day and Early Voting messages as a comprehensive Primary Election plan.  
 
The Early Voting Plan will outline the strategy to inform voters on one-time or permanent options to vote 
by mail at home. With COVID-19 precautions in place, in-person voting will very different.  The Election Day 
and Emergency Voting Plan will outline how the Elections Department will communicate the new Election 
Day Vote Center model and the safety precautions implemented at all of our in-person voting sites.  
 
3.2.3 BeBallotReady.Vote | Locations.Maricopa.Vote 
Maricopa County is making it easier for voters to make choices when it comes to how and when they want 
to vote. Our communications strategy will use BeBallotReady.Vote as a tool for voters to prepare for the 
primary election. Once Early Voting begins, we will also use a redesigned Locations.Maricopa.Vote as a 
search tool for voters to find a voting location near them.  
• 
BeBallotReady.Vote provides Maricopa County residents with a personalized voter dashboard that 
includes everything they need to know to make their vote count. Voters can make changes to 
personal voter information, learn about the August election, find voting locations, sign up for text 
alerts, and much more. In short, it's a one-stop shop for voters unlike anything the County has 
provided before. The Early Voting plan will go into more detail about the new features for 
independent voters and voters not on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) within the 
BeBallotReady.Vote dashboard. 
• 
Locations.Maricopa.Vote will provide voters with a searchable tool to find open Vote Centers. 
We’ve redesigned the page to be mobile friendly and provide voters with a quick way to not only 
find a voting location near them, but also see live wait times, search locations open on the 
weekends and much more. Voters can visit this page directly or find it through their 
BeBallotReady.Vote dashboard.

18 | P a g e 
3.2.4 Paid Media Strategy 
The Elections Department and the Recorder’s Office contracted with Commit Agency through a Contract 
Task Order to develop a well-rounded paid media campaign for the August Primary  Election.  The approved 
budget includes $190,600* for the creative design, production of advertising materials, and other costs 
associated with the marketing plan for all mediums in English and Spanish, as well as an estimated 
$377,0005* for direct ad buys in both English and Spanish across multiple platforms (television, streaming 
services radio, social media, digital display, and billboards).  
This strategy has three phases: 
• 
Phase 1 (May 15-June 28) – Focuses on informing voters of the option to vote by mail at home.  
• 
Phase 2 (June 29-July 20) – Focuses on informing independent voters of the need to select a ballot 
and how to get ready for the Primary Election. 
• 
Phase 3 (July 21-August 4) – Focuses on safe in-person voting options, including some weekends, 
and the Election Department’s efforts to implement physical distancing and cleaning standards at 
voting locations. 
 
3.2.5 Earned Media and Voter Outreach Strategy 
The Elections Department’s earned media and voter outreach strategy will amplify our #BeBallotReady paid 
media strategy by informing voters about their voting options for the August 4 Primary Election. The 
strategy will also focus on the Election Department’s efforts to implement physical distancing and cleaning 
standards in our voting locations and emphasize the security measures we have in place to administer a 
successful election. Earned media tactics in English and Spanish will include: 
 
• 
Earned Media Interviews – Our team is available for media interviews in both English and Spanish. 
We will inform voters about the new Primary Election Vote Center model, safety standards at our 
polling locations and ways Maricopa County is making this election safe, secure and accessible.  
• 
Fact Sheet – We will create an election fact sheet for our jurisdictional partners, media and the 
public, which will include information about the August Primary election, including voting deadlines 
and an FAQ.  
• 
Social Media – We will use social media to directly inform Maricopa County voters of their voting 
options and respond quickly to changing narratives. Through our @MaricopaVote Facebook and 
Twitter pages, the Elections Department will work collaboratively with the Recorder’s Office social 
media accounts to amplify our messaging to voters throughout the election cycle. We will also 
share our messaging with Maricopa County, Condado Maricopa, and other county partners to 
expand our reach.  
• 
Press Releases on Election Deadlines – We will send out press releases to media on big election 
deadlines including voter registration, mail-in ballot requests, mail-in ballot deadlines, polling 
locations and dates, Election Day information, and post-election information about election results.  
                                                          
5 The budgeted amounts of $190,600 and $377,000 are estimates and subject to change.

19 | P a g e 
• 
Voter Outreach – We plan to do a series of communications directly to voters to inform them of 
their voting options. 
o Direct Mailers 
 
Ballot by Mail – Outlined in the Early Voting Plan, this mailing will be sent in June 
to non-PEVL voters, informing them of their options and providing a direct way for 
voters to sign up to vote by mail at home.  
 
Sample Ballot – This mailing, which is required by law, is the direct tool to inform 
in-person voters of the primary election and their voting location. Because 
Maricopa County is moving to an all Vote Center model, we plan to use this mailer 
as a tool to inform voters of the Vote Center locations they can choose from and 
the extended evening and weekend hours available to them. 
o Email Communication 
 
Non-PEVL Voters  
• 
Outlined in the Early Voting Plan, we will send two emails to voters who 
have email addresses on file, informing them of their options and 
providing a direct way to sign up to vote by mail at home. 
• 
In mid-July and early August, we will send two emails to the same 
population of voters. Communication will focus on the physical distancing 
and cleaning standards implemented at all polling locations. Emails will 
also inform voters of their ability to choose from the 10-14 days of in-
person voting available to them, including weekends. 
 
PEVL Independents – Outlined in the Early Voting Plan, these emails would be sent 
to voters with email addresses on file, informing voters who have not yet 
requested a ballot type and will direct this group of voters to BeBallotReady.Vote 
to make their ballot choice. After July 24, PEVL Independents who do not request 
a ballot must vote in person. Informing this group of voters about in-person voting 
locations will be critical after July 24 since they are not included on the sample 
ballot mailing.  
o Text Messages— In an effort to ensure we meet voters on the platforms they are using, 
we plan to round out our voter outreach using the Twillio text messaging tool currently in 
place for voters to get early ballot status updates. We will use this tool to inform non-
PEVL voters of their options, and to inform PEVL Independents of the need to request a 
ballot type. 
 
3.2.6 March 17 Election Day Plan 
On Election Day, communication will focus on informing voters in English and Spanish about the 
information they need to successfully vote. Our paid media #BeBallotReady strategy will continue through 
Election Day. We will have staff available for media interviews and live shots throughout the day. In 
addition, we will reach voters through a variety of traditional and social media channels. Election Day 
messaging will focus on:

20 | P a g e 
• 
Encouraging voters to visit Locations.Marciopa.Vote to take advantage of the wait time feature 
• 
Identification options needed to vote 
• 
Voting locations and hours 
 
In addition, we will actively communicate about activity at voting locations when necessary. In order to 
ensure the Elections Department is responsive to voters, we are requesting the support of four (4) county 
employees with communications and social media experience to support our team on Election Day. These 
employees will work with us in our communications team hub located at MCTEC, which is staffed by both 
the Elections Department and the Recorder’s Office. Below is an outline of the day’s earned media plan: 
• 
Press releases 
 
1. First thing in the morning, we will send a release to announce Election Day, highlighting 
Locations.Maricopa.Vote, voting locations and hours, and what ID you need to vote. 
2. A final press release once the Elections Department posts initial election results. 
• 
Social Media 
o Monitor social media throughout the day responding promptly to voter questions. 
o Monitor social media ads though the paid media campaign to ensure voters get answers 
quickly. 
o Post on the Elections Department @MaricopaVote Facebook and Twitter accounts 
throughout the day in coordination with the County Recorder’s official social media 
accounts focusing on our top line messages and updating voters with wait-times as 
appropriate.  
o Create social media collateral to share with other county agencies, political parties and 
voter groups to help amplify our messages about Vote Centers and safety at the polls. 
• 
STAR Call Center 
o Work closely with the Maricopa County STAR Call Center to coordinate messaging, train 
and educate call-center workers to provide front-line communications to the public. With 
our recruitment support, the STAR Center is hiring and training 36 temporary workers to 
provide consistent and accurate information to the public on Election Day. 
 
3.2.7 Crisis Communications Strategy 
In an emergency or other crisis on Election Day or during emergency voting, effective and timely 
communication will help to ensure voting integrity, public safety and the long-term reliability of the 
Elections Department. For the purpose of this plan, a crisis is defined as a significant event or incident that 
disrupts – or has the potential to disrupt – Election Day or emergency voting.  
 
All messages will include accurate and detailed information about the situation and what actions to take. 
The media also aids in the dissemination of the crisis communication message. The Crisis Communication 
Team will ensure that media has access to updated information throughout the crisis incident or event. In

21 | P a g e 
addition, the Director of Election Day and Emergency Voting is responsible for notifying the appropriate 
members of the county’s senior leadership team and the Board of Supervisors of the status of the incident 
and provide ongoing status reports. 
 
The public will seek – and trust – other sources of information (e.g. news reports, social media, rumors, and 
word of mouth) in the absence of official communication. Effective communication will help quell rumors, 
maintain trust, and ensure public safety. We will convene the Crisis Communications Team as quickly as 
possible. Depending on the urgency and severity of the incident or event, this may occur in person or via 
phone. Team members include: 
• 
The Election Directors 
• 
Assistant Election Directors 
• 
Elections Department Communication Staff 
• 
Chief Deputy Recorder 
• 
Recorder’s Office Public Information Officer  
• 
The Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and County Recorder (as needed or as appropriate) 
• 
Legal 
• 
Others may participate based on the specific incident 
 
The Crisis Communication Team will implement some, or all of the steps outlined below based on the 
circumstances, coordinating with all key personnel. Throughout a crisis, the team will meet frequently to 
review changing facts, assess whether key messages are reaching audiences and determine whether 
strategies need to change. In the event of a crisis on Election Day or during emergency voting, final approval 
of all communications rests with the Director of Election Day or Emergency Voting. 
1. Immediate Response – Based on the severity of the incident and facts available, the Crisis 
Communications Team will determine what, if any, public messaging should be sent out and will 
ensure public safety and other emergency responders are informed as appropriate.   
2. Notifying Key Audiences – The Crisis Communications Team will decide which groups need to be 
informed first. Audiences could include: 
• 
Voters 
• 
Poll Workers 
• 
Elections Department and Recorder’s 
Office Staff 
• 
Board of Supervisors 
• 
County Recorder 
• 
News Media 
• 
Jurisdictions 
• 
Arizona Secretary of State 
• 
Political Parties 
• 
Candidates or Campaigns 
• 
Maricopa County Attorney 
• 
Arizona Attorney General 
• 
Maricopa County Sheriff and other state 
and local police 
• 
Arizona Counter Terrorism Information 
Center 
• 
Maricopa County Department of 
Emergency Management 
• 
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 
• 
U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
• 
The U.S. Attorney’s Office

22 | P a g e 
3. Determine Spokesperson(s) – This can either be a member of the Crisis Communications Team who 
has knowledge of the crisis and is assigned to provide key messages and emerging facts to the 
public/media, or an elected official in charge of Maricopa County elections.  
4. Developing a Fact Sheet – As soon as possible after the incident, a fact sheet will be prepared to 
supplement communication with key audiences and information provided to the media by the 
spokesperson. Members of the Crisis Communications team will create the Fact Sheet, and those 
with a direct knowledge of the crisis will check it for accuracy. Fact sheets released publicly or 
posted to the internet must be time stamped and updated as information changes. 
5. Informing the STAR Call Center – Once information is known and verified, the Crisis 
Communications Team will share messaging details and fact sheets with STAR Center leadership.  
6. Alerting the media – The Crisis Communications Team will decide the best ways to communicate 
with the media during an incident or event. In cases where a crisis is likely to be prolonged, the 
Crisis Communication Team may use the Maricopa County Tabulation and Elections Center 
(MCTEC) for media briefings outside of the 75-foot electioneering range or within a designated 
location not in view of the official voting location. We will take into consideration appropriate 
media staging locations that can accommodate vehicles such as satellite trucks. Communication 
with the media must occur as frequently as the Elections Department verifies new information.   
7. Monitoring social media – To anticipate any problems in the flow of accurate communications to 
the media and public, the Crisis Communications Team will designate staff to monitor social media 
and respond to questions and disinformation immediately and with consistency.  
8. Approval of outgoing information – Typically, we develop communications in a collaborative way, 
but we recognize the need for decisive decision-making during a crisis to enable rapid, accurate 
communication.

23 | P a g e 
4.0 – Staffing Plan 
The Elections Department’s partnership with community volunteers is vital to our success in facilitating 
elections. We have a proud history of rapid, high-volume support from the community.  Maricopa County’s 
Poll Workers are the face of the Elections Department for voters, and voters expect elections services to 
be secure and efficient. Our process begins with recruiting adequate numbers of staff for our polling 
locations, and hiring temporary workers to support early voting activities, warehouse operations, 
equipment management, training and recruitment initiatives. These workers must possess the right mix of 
skills, while also ensuring balanced political party representation to support the efficacy of elections 
services.   Critical to our success is the establishment of and adherence to timelines and schedules that 
make the best use of our temporary workers while also ensuring fiscal responsibilities to our taxpayers. 
The scope of the Staffing Plan for the August Primary Election includes strategies, constraints, and methods 
to recruit:  
• 
Poll Workers to staff polling locations and Vote Centers for early voting, emergency voting, and 
Election Day 
• 
Central board workers to staff election boards (e.g., early vote processing, duplication boards, hand 
count audit boards)    
• 
Temporary staff for other support operations (e.g., delivery drivers, Vote Center set up teams, 
warehouse staff)  
• 
County permanent staff to support election operations by working at Vote Centers, Ballot Drop-off 
Locations, supporting setup operations, and providing Election Night support in the warehouse 
4.1 – Staffing Approach and Strategy 
The staffing strategy for the August Primary Election considers the hiring landscape during the COVID-19 
crisis.  The Recruitment team faces new challenges in confirming a qualified and capable workforce needed 
to support a successful election, and has pivoted in several ways to overcome these challenges: 
• 
Targeting Poll Workers with experience working at a Polling Location in the last four years  
• 
Developing targeted messaging to prospective hires that addresses health and safety concerns 
• 
Increasing the number of Poll Workers at each Polling Location to proactively address turnover 
that may occur due to COVID-19 
• 
Creating positions for temporary Human Resources Administrative Staff dedicated to body 
temperature screening of Central Boardworkers working at the MCTEC location to ensure no one 
enters the facility with a 100.4 or above temperature 
Recruitment for the August Primary will be performed in the following phases:   
• 
Phase 1 (May 2020) –Hire 1,000 Poll Workers to staff approximately 100 voting locations.  Most 
locations will be staffed by 10 Poll Workers to include one Inspector, two Judges, a Marshal, a Voter 
Registration Clerk, and five Clerks, with at least one employee proficient in communicating with 
voters in English and Spanish.  Election Day Only Inspectors and Judges will be scheduled to shadow 
Early Voting Inspectors for one to two days to ensure a higher probability of success on Election 
Day.  Recruiters will confirm Poll Workers are capable of performing role-specific duties, provide

24 | P a g e 
necessary paperwork to support the hiring process, and schedule Poll Workers to attend training 
designed to model a safe, secure, and high-quality voter experience. 
• 
Phase 2 (June 2020) – Hire 70 temporary workers to support election operations:  Signature 
Verification, Special Elections Boards, UOCAVA, Human Resources Administrative Personnel, 
Warehouse Workers, T-Techs, Ballot Couriers, and Drivers.  We will also work to staff the first wave 
of twelve Star Call Center Support Technicians.   
• 
Phase 3 (Early July 2020) – Hire 79 temporary workers to support election operations:  Mail and 
Ballot Running, Warehouse Workers, T-Techs, Ballot Couriers, Drivers and Hotline Response 
Personnel.  We will also work to staff the next wave of Call Center Support Technicians, twelve in 
total, for the STAR Call Center.   
• 
Phase 4 (Mid July) – Hire 99 temporary workers to support election operations:  Ballot Tabulation 
Center Operators, Adjudication Boards, and Ballot Processors.  We will support the final wave of 
hiring for the STAR Call Center (twelve Call Center Support Technicians).   
• 
Phase 5 (Late July 2020) – Hire 100 temporary workers, some day-only workers will be recruited 
from other County Departments, to support election operations:  Ballot Processors and Elections 
Night Warehouse Support (Red Line/Blue Line Workers). 
Recruiters will rely on a variety of resources to obtain the necessary workers for the Primary Election. These 
resources include: prior Poll Worker pipelines, outreach campaigns to county employees, support from 
staffing firms, job board advertising, community partnerships, recruitment fairs, Deputy Registrar events, 
and Political Party referrals.  The Elections Department will track recruitment efforts using our proprietary 
Poll Worker database and recruiters will provide weekly progress reports on challenges to staffing and 
adherence to schedule and timeline.  Temporary workers performing duties at the Elections Department 
or STAR Call Center will be processed for background checks if this is their first time working for these 
departments.   
The Recruitment and Training teams will meet regularly to cross-functionally share observations and data 
in support of continual improvement of the Recruitment process. This heightened communication will 
result in increased Poll Worker job fitting for future elections. Additionally, the Elections Department will 
survey temporary workers and hiring managers at the conclusion of the Primary Election to obtain valuable 
performance data. 
 
4.2 – Statutory Requirements Pursuant to Staffing 
A.R.S. § 16-531 specifies a requirement to appoint [hire] “one inspector, one marshal, two judges, and as 
many clerks of election as deemed necessary” not less than twenty days before an election. These 
individuals, per statute, “shall be qualified voters of the precinct for which appointed,” and as far as 
inspector, marshal, and judges are concerned, “shall not have changed their political party affiliation or 
their no party preference affiliation since the last preceding general election.” Furthermore, “if they are 
members of the two political parties that cast the highest number of votes in the state at the last preceding 
general election, they shall be divided equally between these two parties. There shall be an equal number 
of inspectors in the various precincts in the county who are members of the two largest political parties.  In 
each precinct where the inspector is a member of one of the two largest political parties, the marshal in 
that precinct shall be a member of the other of the two largest political parties.” Finally, “any registered 
voter in the election precinct…may be appointed [hired] as a clerk.”

25 | P a g e 
This statute also specifies “wherever possible, any person appointed as an inspector shall have had previous 
experience as an inspector, judge, marshal or clerk of elections.” 
4.3 – Temporary Staffing Roles, Quantities, and Pay Rates 
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 16-536, “The compensation of the election officers shall be fixed by the board of 
supervisors and shall be a county charge.  In no case shall an election board member be paid less than thirty 
dollars per day. 
* These positions will support both early voting and Election Day 
4.4 – Staffing Contingencies and Work Load Balancing 
Given how important these temporary workers are to ongoing operations, we’re deploying contingency 
recruiting strategies in the event some Poll Workers and temporary staff cannot perform their role or duty.  
To ensure we have sufficient Poll Workers to staff the polling location, we are hiring an additional 30 back 
Role 
Early Voting 
Election Day 
Total 
Pay Rate/hour 
Temporary Recruiters  
1 
 
1 
$15.14 
Temporary Trainers 
2 
 
2 
$15.00 
Temporary Human Resources Staff  
3 
 
3 
$15.00 
Inspectors *  
75 
25 
100 
$13.00 
Judges* 
150 
50 
200 
$12.50 
Voter Registration Clerks* 
75 
25 
100 
$12.50 
Marshals* 
75 
25 
100 
$12.00 
Clerks* 
375 
125 
500 
$12.00 
Temporary UOCAVA Clerks  
6 
 
6 
$12.00 
Temporary Ballot Processors  
78 
 
78 
$12.00 
Temporary Signature Verification Clerks  
20 
 
20 
$12.00 
Temporary Mail Couriers 
8 
 
8 
$12.00 
Temporary Ballot Couriers 
15 
 
15 
$13.00 
Temporary Warehouse Drivers*   
21 
 
21 
$13.00 
Temporary Grips* 
13 
 
13 
$13.00 
Temporary Auditors* 
12 
 
12 
$12.00 
Temporary T-Techs* 
25 
 
25 
$13.00 
County Employees – Election Day 
 
140 
140 
$15.00 
Temporary Troubleshooters 
35 
13 
48 
$15.00 
Temporary Hotline Responders  
6 
 
6 
$15.00 
Temporary Duplication Boards 
40 
 
40 
$12.00 
Hand Count Boards (Recruited by political 
parties) 
 
26 
26 
$12.00 
Temporary Star Call Center Employees 
(recruited by Star Call Center) 
36 
 
36 
$12.50 
Total 
1071 
429 
1500

26 | P a g e 
up inspectors that can be re-deployed on Election Day if a Poll Worker is absent.  With the 10 Poll Workers 
per site, we can also overcome an absenteeism of 30 – 40%.     
4.5 – Temporary Staffing Job Responsibilities 
 
Job Title 
Responsibilities 
Temporary 
Recruiter 
Temporary Recruiter will source, screen, hire and schedule Poll Workers for assignments at 
either Election Day Polling Locations or Vote Centers.  They will also be responsible for filing 
paperwork and completing data entry in support of payroll functions. 
Temporary Trainers 
Temporary trainers will prepare and distribute class materials and assist with hands-on 
instruction on the set-up, use, and breakdown of Election equipment.  Temporary trainers 
will support full-time trainers as needed during periods when the training team is teaching 
at multiple locations simultaneously.   
Temporary Human 
Resources Staff 
Perform temperature screening function for all temporary workers reporting to MCTEC 
building.  Assist with tracking of clock-in and clock-out times for these workers. 
Poll Worker:  
Inspector 
The Inspector is the Team Leader at the Polling Location or Vote Center, and as such, the 
Inspector is responsible for delegating the tasks of other Poll Workers, ensuring workers 
clock in out properly, and providing assistance to voters.  The Inspector is responsible for 
making sure that each and every voter is able to cast their ballot privately and securely. 
Poll Worker:  Judge  
The Judge is the backup for the Inspector, and therefore is charged with the same 
responsibilities as the Inspector.  Along with assisting voters with the check-in process, the 
Judge supports Curbside Voting and use of Accessible Voting Devices, and monitors the 
Ballot Drop-Off and Tabulation. 
Poll Worker:  
Marshal 
The Marshal is responsible for preserving order at the polls, most specifically with regard to 
line management during high-volume cycles.  The Marshal is responsible for maintaining 
order at the polls and ensuring the opening of the polls and the completion of activities at 
the end of the day.  In coordination with the Line Management Clerk, the Marshal measures 
the length of wait times throughout the day and may also perform the duties of other Poll 
Workers on a relief basis.  
Poll Worker:  Voter 
Registration Clerk 
The Voter Registration Clerk assists the Voter in updating their name or address in the 
Sitebook as needed.  They may also assist the Inspector or Judge in verifying the voter 
possesses the required acceptable identification.  The Voter Registration Clerks shall be 
certified as having completed and mastered a training curriculum approved by the 
Recorder’s Office due to their access to live voter registration information via the SiteBook. 
Poll Worker:  Clerk 
Clerks are responsible for providing voters with the correct ballot.  This is done by confirming 
specific information on the ballot, and in some cases (Early Voting, Emergency Voting, 
Provisional Ballots) matching information on the ballot to information on an affidavit 
envelope.  In the case of Vote Centers using Ballot On Demand (BOD) capabilities, the clerk 
retrieves a printed ballot from a BOD printer, confirms the information on the ballot matches 
the voter’s BOD code, and if necessary the code on the affidavit envelope, and presents 
these items to the voter.  When not manning the Ballot Pick-Up Area, clerks are responsible 
for sanitation of all equipment at the polling location to limit the spread of COVID-19.  Clerks 
will also report wait times using the Sitebook during high-volume periods.   
Temporary 
UOCAVA Clerks 
UOCAVA Clerks support the mission of the Uniformed & Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting 
Act.  Duties include assisting overseas voters in registering to vote, requesting an early ballot, 
and voting a ballot via a secure portal.  
Temporary Ballot 
Processors 
 
Ballot Processors work in teams of two, or Boards, and they must be of a different political 
party.  Ballot processors open, verify ballots are for the correct election, and stack ballots for 
delivery to the Ballot Tabulation Center.

27 | P a g e 
Job Title 
Responsibilities 
Temporary 
Signature 
Verification Clerks 
Signature Verification Clerks are responsible for verifying signatures on affidavit envelopes 
match voters’ signatures on record.  They may use forensic techniques to analyze signatures, 
and they may also perform other research such as contacting voters directly to ensure the 
efficacy of mail-in ballot processing. 
Temporary Mail 
Couriers 
Mail Couriers are responsible for making postal runs, picking up printed items from Runbeck 
Elections Services, and using electronic mail opening machinery to open ballots en masse 
prior to ballot processing. 
Temporary Ballot 
Couriers 
The Elections Department utilizes Ballot Couriers to retrieve ballots from Ballot Drop Boxes 
and securely deliver them to MCTEC for processing.  Ballot Couriers must complete a chain-
of-custody form that is signed by a Polling Location or Vote Center Inspector to ensure the 
lawful hand-off and transportation of ballots. 
Temporary 
Warehouse Drivers 
Temporary Warehouse Drivers are responsible for operating a fleet of 16’ box-trucks with 
lift gates.  Drivers transport equipment and items to and from Polling Locations and Vote 
Centers.  Warehouse Drivers may also support other warehouse functions such as checking 
equipment in and out, lifting and stacking inventory, and general warehouse maintenance. 
Temporary Set-Up 
Team Members (T-
Techs, Grips, 
Auditors) 
The Elections Department establishes set-up teams that work in coordination with Poll 
Workers to set up Vote Centers and Polling Locations prior to opening for Election Activities.  
Some Set-Up Team Members will support troubleshooting efforts throughout the election 
cycle and may support equipment security and retrieval activities at the close of Election 
Day. 
Temporary Hotline 
Responders 
Hotline Responders are staffed at the MCTEC Warehouse Command Center and are 
responsible for responding to issues and questions that may arise via phone or radio during 
an Election cycle.  Hotline Responders must be Elections Subject Matter Experts as they must 
deliver critical information to voters, Poll Workers, and other Elections Support Staff under 
tight timelines and during high-volume cycles. 
Temporary 
Duplication Boards 
Duplication Boards, pairs of two from different political party affiliations, make every 
attempt to determine voter intent, when in question, due to stray marks or other issues on 
the ballot that may make accurate tabulation of a ballot impossible.  Through a duplication 
process, these bipartisan teams ensure that the voter’s clear intent is reflected on the ballot 
which is tabulated. 
Temporary Star Call 
Center Employees 
Temporary Star Call Center Employees are responsible for responding to Elections-specific 
questions from voters.  These employees possess Elections Subject Matter Expertise and 
deliver critical information to voters during high-volume cycles. 
 
4.6 -- Administrative and Payroll Support 
Department and Recorder’s Office Human Resources Liaisons, in coordination with Maricopa County 
Central Human Resources, provide critical support in determining temporary staff eligibility to work, 
facilitating payroll processing, and providing mileage reimbursement to temporary staff that use their 
personal vehicles on official elections business.   
• 
Eligibility to Work: Each temporary employee must provide a copy of the appropriate 
documentation to Human Resources to confirm their eligibility to work in the United States. Central 
Board Workers must also pass a standard criminal background investigation to obtain badge 
credentials that allow them to securely enter the MCTEC facility. 
• 
Payroll Processing: A coordinated effort between the Elections Recruitment Staff, Elections and 
Recorders Human Resources Liaisons, and County Payroll allows the Elections Department to 
provide pay to Poll Workers in one lump sum at the completion of an election. Central Board

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Workers may be paid through the County’s ADP system, allowing for bi-weekly pay for longer-term 
employment.   
• 
Mileage Reimbursement:  Department staff work directly with temporary employees that utilize 
personal vehicles for official elections business, tracking and documenting mileage in compliance 
with Maricopa County General Travel Policy A2313. Mileage Reimbursement forms are submitted 
to County payroll for processing of reimbursements to temporary employees. 
4.7 – Deliverables and Performance Metrics 
Staffing deliverables will simultaneously provide critical Performance Data that will shape future Temporary 
Staffing models.  These deliverables will include: 
• 
Weekly tabulation of metrics related to hire-by-source.  The Elections Department has leveraged 
support from County Procurement to increase our cadre of temporary staffing resources.   We are 
currently partnering with four temporary staffing firms to provide quick-turn solutions for high-
quantity/high-quality resources.  We will be tracking placements by source to better understand 
the capabilities of these firms, and data will be shared back to Procurement leaders. 
 
• 
Poll Worker rosters showing assigned role, party registration status,  polling location assignment 
and training status 
• 
Weekly staffing updates showing recruitment status for each phase and position 
• 
Monthly performance data analytic reports will utilize dashboard formats (red, yellow, and green 
shading) to identify: 
o Successful hire rates based on recruiting sources 
o Drop-Out rates based on recruiting sources 
o Areas needing additional resources or innovative measures to overcome challenges 
• 
Surveys (temporary worker and hiring manager)  
• 
After Action – Recruitment Lessons Learned report 
 4.8 – Staffing Schedule 
Key milestones for August Primary staffing are highlighted below: 
March 2020 Elections Staffing Schedule 
Staffing Phase 1 
5/1/2020 – 6/1/2020 
Staffing Phase 2 
6/1/2020 – 6/29/2020 
Staffing Phase 3 
7/1/2020 – 7/13/2020 
Staffing Phase 4 
7/13/2020 – 7/20/2020 
Staffing Phase 5 
7/21/2020 – 8/2/2020 
Temporary Worker Survey Distributed 
8/31/2020 
Hiring Manager Survey Distributed 
8/31/2020

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After Action - Recruitment Lessons Learned Meeting 
9/30/2020/6/2020 
 
5.0 – Training Plan 
The Elections Department’s training plan for the August Primary Election establishes the framework for 
ensuring temporary staff (e.g., Poll Workers, Troubleshooters) are trained to perform their assigned roles 
and responsibilities to serve Maricopa County voters.  Training is an essential element to ensuring elections 
are conducted with integrity, efficiency, reliability, and in accordance with federal and state laws.   
The scope of the Training Plan describes the Elections Department’s approach to providing specialized 
training for the temporary workers that will support the August Primary Election   
• 
Approximately 1,000 Poll Workers will staff approximately 100 voting locations to serve as  
inspectors, judges, marshals, voter registration clerks, and clerks  
• 
More than 40 Troubleshooters who will receive training from both the Poll Worker curriculum as 
well as curriculum identified by the Vote Center Manager focusing on more complex issues related 
to Elections equipment   
5.1 – Training Approach & Strategy  
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 16-532, the Elections Department “shall conduct a class for the instruction of inspectors 
and judges…in their duties, which shall include instruction in the voting system to be used and the election 
laws applicable to such election. Each election board member receiving instructions and properly qualified 
shall receive a certificate of qualification. Only inspectors and judges of the election board who have 
received the required instruction class shall serve at any election…Other members of the election board 
may be trained at the same time.”   
The Elections Department’s training plan for the August Primary Election considers adjustments necessary 
to provide appropriate training during the COVID-19 pandemic and specifies the following objectives: 
• 
Establish a training curriculum that limits exposure to COVID-19.   
o Redesign training curriculum to deliver 75% of training online via the County’s Learning 
Management System, TheHUB.   
o Limit in-person training sessions to no more than 10 participants and two Trainers.  
o  Focus in-person training sessions on setup, use, and breakdown of Election equipment 
and sanitary procedures, thereby reducing the amount of in-person contact required of 
Poll Workers for optimum learning.   
o Develop an online skills assessment in tandem with online training modules to ensure Poll 
Workers are ready to perform the tasks required of them by  Arizona State Statute, the 
Secretary of State Elections Manual, and Department policies and procedures.   
• 
Develop informative, consistent, and accessible training sessions in order to ensure temporary 
workers have the information they need to perform their roles successfully and ample

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opportunities to attend training.  This includes offering training sessions in Central Phoenix and 
surrounding communities in the east, north and west Valley. 
• 
Train Poll Workers to maintain strict cleanliness standards to limit the spread of COVID-19 during 
Elections, deliver in-person training sessions utilizing required PPE designated as a condition of 
employment under the guidance of the Maricopa County Public Health Department and following 
CDC guidelines, and deliberately enforce these guidelines during training to ensure the safety of 
Poll Workers and Training Staff during in-person training sessions.   
• 
Collect and analyze Poll Worker satisfaction data to measure and build relationships with 
temporary workers and develop reliable talent pipelines and job fitting strategies. 
5.2 – Training Methodology 
Temporary workers play a critical role in helping the Elections Department meet the resource needs 
required to conduct an election.  We are dedicated to providing staff with the knowledge and skills to 
overcome the challenges they may experience while working at a voting location.  We have a team of 
trainers and subject matter experts that will provide the temporary workforce with appropriate training to 
prepare them for their assignments.  Factors that will be addressed include varied learning styles, statutory 
training requirements, and the high numbers of temporary staff that need training in a short period of time. 
Specific methodologies and curriculum are described in further detail below.   
5.2.1 – Poll Worker Training 
Voters expect the Elections Department to conduct elections with integrity and efficiency, but they also 
expect to receive a high-level of customer service. If voting in-person, a voter’s experience is directly 
correlated with the level of expertise and customer service exhibited by the Poll Workers staffing our polling 
locations.  For the Primary Election, the Elections Department will hire and train approximately 1,000 staff 
to work at approximately 100 Vote Centers.   
Successfully manning a Polling Location requires a difficult mix of soft skills, like customer service and de-
escalation techniques, as well as technical, analysis, and problem-solving skills.  Elections Department 
Trainers must find unique ways to impart these skills in a format that is both interesting and time efficient.  
Arizona State Statute requires specific Poll Workers to take training every time they serve, leading to a large 
number of Poll Workers returning again and again to attend training.  For these learners, we must hit 
required training marks as well as education on changes in laws and practice.  The Elections Department 
also hires Poll Workers that are new to serving, and for these learners, capacity is the challenge.  Trainers 
must identify the most important areas of learning before each Election, and provide as many high-quality 
resources and job aids as possible that can be accessed up to and include Election Day.   
In an effort to continually improve   the learning experience and increase knowledge retention, the Training 
Team will require all Poll Workers to complete an interactive, web-based, role specific curriculum featuring 
multiple sessions of study.  Those serving as Clerks will take the entirety of their learning via web-based 
portal.  Those serving in the role of Inspector, Judge, Marshal, and Voter Registration Clerk will receive 
supplemental hands-on training onsite in a training space that models the Polling Location experience.  
Each Poll Worker will complete an online assessment at the conclusion of their web-based learning to 
ensure they are capable of meeting their responsibilities as a Poll Worker.  A score of 80% or better will be 
required for each Poll Worker to be fully hired for Day 1 of service.  We will offer Poll Workers multiple 
opportunities to retake the web-based training and assessment to obtain a passing score.

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We anticipate Poll Workers will spend approximately three hours in learning sessions, either online or in 
tandem with in-person instruction, and strict attendance data will be kept to ensure all Poll Workers have 
completed the required training.  Those receiving in-person instruction will have the opportunity to attend 
a session in one of four locations around the Valley, with no more than 10 attendees in each session. The 
table below shows the Poll Worker positions receiving hands-on instruction and number of training sessions 
offered.  
Poll Worker Role 
Approximate 
Number of Workers 
Estimated 
Start Date 
In-Person Training Dates 
Inspector 
15 
E-27 (7/8) 
6/30 – 7/7; 15 sessions available  
Inspector 
65 
E-13 (7/22) 
6/30 – 7/20; 54 sessions available 
Inspector 
20 
Election Day 
7/8 – 7/20; 39 sessions available 
Judge 
30 
E-27 (7/8) 
6/30 – 7/7; 15 sessions available 
Judge 
130 
E-13 (7/22) 
6/30 – 7/20; 54 sessions available 
Judge 
40 
Election Day  
7/8 – 7/20; 39 sessions available  
Marshal 
15 
E-27 (7/8) 
6/30 – 7/7; 15 sessions available 
Marshal 
65 
E-13 (7/22) 
6/30 – 7/20; 54 sessions available 
Marshal 
20 
Election Day  
7/8 – 7/20; 39 sessions available 
Voter Registration Clerk 
15 
E-27 (7/8) 
6/30 – 7/7; 15 sessions available 
Voter Registration Clerk 
65 
E-13 (7/22) 
6/30 – 7/20; 54 sessions available  
Voter Registration Clerk 
20 
Election Day  
7/8 – 7/20 39 sessions available 
 
500 
 
54 sessions available 
 
Given the need for social distancing, the Elections Department’s Early Voting teams will be spreading out 
throughout the building, allowing those temporary employees enough safe space to work.  For this reason, 
the Elections Department has partnered with the Maricopa County Flood Control District (FCD) to offer the 
majority of in-person training sessions on the FCD Durango Campus. However, sessions will also be offered 
at leased retail locations in the north, west, and east Valley that will be used as Polling Locations during the 
August Primary.  This gives learners the unique opportunity to take training in a fully-operational voting 
environment.  We are excited to offer this immersive access during the month leading up to the Primary.   
Poll Workers will be expected to demonstrate job readiness by passing specific course assessments 
delivered by the training team prior to their first day at the polls. Assessment data will be shared back to 
the Elections Department to support increased job-fitting for future elections. A high-level summary of 
training topics covered in the August 2020 Primary curriculum follows: 
• 
Review of Election Laws and Procedures including standard voting procedures, updates to election 
laws and procedures, and issuance of ballot types/styles (political party, FED only, ballot splits, etc.).

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• 
Election Specific Training including an understanding of Arizona Primary Elections and the need for 
some voters to select a specific party ballot for voting 
• 
Training on Opening and Closing Duties including voting location hours of operation, Poll Worker 
hours, clocking in and out for duty, verifying duties to be performed, equipment setup and closing, 
furniture arrangement, inventory of supplies, signage placement, and preparation of official and 
unofficial envelope contents. 
• 
Role-Specific Training (see Appendix A, page 50) 
• 
Review and hands-on training setting up, using, and breaking down Polling Equipment including 
BOD, Accessible Voting Device, Precinct Tabulator, SiteBook operations, and voting equipment 
checks. 
• 
Customer Service Training including accessible/curbside voting,  assisting differently-abled voters, 
and teamwork 
• 
Voter Check-In including required ID training and use of the Sitebook to update a voter’s name and 
address 
• 
Safety and Sanitation Procedures including standards of cleanliness, use of PPE, Poll Worker and 
voting location safety, and situational awareness techniques.  This includes the use of the break in 
case of emergency contingency plan. 
• 
Troubleshooting including when and how to implement wait-time reduction, contacting a 
Troubleshooter for technical support, and other contingency plans. 
• 
Supplemental Training for Inspectors and Judges including “how to” strategies for conducting a pre-
election meeting with Poll Workers, ensuring political party representation among Poll Workers, 
gaining building access and developing relationships with building stewards, monitoring envelop 
drop boxes, the provisional ballot process, spoiling ballots, and transmitting results and/or delivery 
of voted ballots. 
• 
Supplemental Training for Clerks and Marshals including using Sitebooks to report wait-times and 
instruction in the 75-foot rule. 
• 
Supplemental Training for Voter Registration Clerks including training directed by the Maricopa 
County Recorder. 
• 
Supplemental Training for Bi-Lingual Poll Workers starts with verifying Spanish language proficiency 
and includes preparation materials in English and in Spanish to assist bilingual Poll Workers in using 
elections-specific verbiage and terminology when assisting Spanish-speaking voters.  
• 
Emergency Voting Training including the awareness of voter affirmations using a customized 
affidavit envelope.    
Specific role-based training topics by role and type of voting location are included in Appendix (A).

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6.0 – Facilities and Logistics Plan 
The Elections Department’s Facilities and Logistics plan for the August Primary Election establishes the 
framework for ensuring that Maricopa County voters have a safe, reliable, and accessible in-person voting 
option for Early Voting, Emergency Voting and on Election Day.   
The Facilities and Logistics plan describes our approach to providing adequate facilities and efficient 
logistics support for the 2020 August Primary election. The Elections Department will offer in-person voting 
options at approximately 100 geographically dispersed locations that are compliant with the Americans 
with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Logistics and Warehouse teams support Early Voting, Emergency Voting, 
and Election Day operations and their objectives are to provide the following activities:  
• 
Ensuring that an estimated 90 full time and temporary logistics (e.g., facility relations, ballot 
couriers, hotline call center, and troubleshooters) and warehouse (e.g., drivers, inventory 
specialists, and warehouse) staff are hired, trained and proficient on all assigned tasks and 
functions in preparation for the Presidential Preference Election.   
• 
Acquiring, inspecting, setting up, and supporting Vote Centers.       
• 
Preparing, packaging, securing, delivering, and recovering sufficient and fully functional supplies, 
voting materials, equipment, and technology to ensure voting locations are prepared to serve 
voters.  
 
6.1 – Facilities Management Approach and Strategy   
The facilities management planning cycle starts approximately 160 days before the election and includes 
regular communication with facilities owners and administrators to keep them apprised of available dates 
and facility conditions.  To help ease the voting experience, we attempt to use the same voting locations 
from election to election. However, due to constraints (e.g., facility availability, construction, inspection 
compliance, and specific election requirements) we cannot always adhere to this approach.   
As described in the Voter Turnout and Wait-Time Reduction Plans (Section 2.0, page 9), we determined that 
between 75 -100 Vote Centers are needed to for the 2020 August Primary Election.  A final list will be 
published at Locations.Maricopa.Vote approximately 30 days before the election.  Tasks related to 
managing facilities include:  
• 
Establishing the layout and flow for each type of voting location (see section 6.1.1) 
• 
Performing inspections and ensuring locations comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (see 
section 6.1.2) 
• 
Transitioning from early voting and emergency voting to election day (see section 6.1.3) 
• 
Acquiring and contracting with voting facilities (see section 6.1.4)     
• 
Setting up facilities and supporting ongoing operations (see section 6.2) 
 
6.1.1 Election Day Voting Locations 
Polling Location and Setup 
For the August Primary election, in person voters will have the option to vote from any one of 75 - 100 
geographically dispersed Vote Centers.  All Election Day sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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The August Primary Election Vote Center layout has been altered to comply with safety protocols 
established in partnership with the County Public Health Department to align with Center for Disease 
Control guidelines.  All voter check-in stations and voting booths will be placed six feet from one another 
and floor markings will assist in person voters with maintaining the appropriate physical distancing 
requirements.  The larger venues of 2,000 square feet or larger will provide the necessary spatial 
dimensions to execute these health and safety measures.   
The new all Vote Center model will default to a nine check in station layout with the built in redundancy of 
three ballot on demand printers and 20 voting booths. The flow of the Vote Centers will be established in 
a manner that reduces unnecessary foot traffic and keeps voter flow fluid.  Distancing markers will be 
placed at potential bottleneck areas and closely monitored by on site Poll Workers to avoid flow disruption.  
If safe and practical, this Vote Center layout may be scaled up for much larger venues like the City of Phoenix 
and Mesa Convention Centers.  In these situations, a 12 check in station and 30 voting booth layout  or 15 
check-in station 40 voting booth model will be used.  The layout diagrams below are to be used as our 
default layout and will provide a general understanding of voter flow and equipment placement.   Not all 
locations will have this layout, but setup teams are trained to standardize setup to establish safe and 
efficient polling locations.

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The new all Vote Center model will provide Maricopa County voters the ability to vote outside their 
designated precinct Ballot-On-Demand (BOD) and Site Book technology.  In order to efficiently expand this 
capability from 40 Vote Centers to 100 Vote Centers, we modified our existing fleet of envelope printers 
into high capacity ballot printers.  This is accomplished through a firmware update to the printers and the 
addition of a driving laptop to manage the job load.  An added high capacity feeder (as pictured below) and 
scalable extender will hold the 19” x 8 ½” ballots that would normally not fit in the small manufacturer 
provided paper feeder.  A comprehensive stress test was completed to thoroughly understand capacity and 
identify best courses of action should an issue occur while deployed in the field.    
 
 
6.1.2 Facility Inspections and Accessible Voting 
To verify that facilities will meet our needs, we perform inspections to substantiate hours of operation, 
indoor space, floor plans, wireless connectivity, line management needs, and parking needs. We also 
evaluate the facility to ensure voters with a disability are able to vote in-person or curbside if they choose. 
To confirm usability and voter accessibility we review the following during our on-site inspections:     
• 
Voter entrance 
• 
Obstacles  
• 
Confirmation of minimum square footage, parking and lighting 
• 
Ability to setup certified accessible voting device  
• 
Availability for curbside voting 
• 
Drop-off or loading area with a level access side 
• 
Exterior and interior pedestrian routes that voters use to get to check-in and voting areas 
 
In some instances, we are able to provide temporary installation of ramps or signage to create an ADA-
compliant site. If non-compliance issues are reported after our inspection, a new on-site assessment is 
conducted, issues are worked on-site with the administrator, and the accessibility evaluation is updated.

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Additional accessible voting options such as special election boards that visit nursing homes are described 
in further detail in the Early Voting Plan. The Elections Department complies with the following Federal and 
State laws in order to serve voters with disabilities:   
• 
52 U.S.C. § 20101  Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 
• 
52 U.S.C.A. § 21081(a)(3) HAVA – Disability Rights 
• 
42 U.S.C. § 12101(a)(3); 42 U.S.C. § 12131 et seq. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 
• 
A.R.S. § 16-581 
6.1.3 Transition between Election Phases 
A smooth and seamless transition between Early Voting, Emergency Voting, and Election Day with minimal 
problems can only be achieved through close communication and complete collaboration with Department 
staff and the Recorder’s Office. To minimize voter confusion and duplication of efforts, the Elections 
Department will use the same Vote Center facilities and equipment for Election Day as used during the 
Emergency Voting and Early Voting phases.   
6.1.4 Facilities Acquisition & Timeline 
We place an emphasis on enhancing relationships with facility administrators and staff to build a reliable 
inventory of ready-to-use facilities. Most facilities provide the Elections Department with their facility for 
free or for a nominal charge. To manage facilities, we adopt a framework of communication, customization 
and continuous monitoring.   
• 
Communication: We reach out to facility administrators about 160 days prior to an election and 
attempt to quickly resolve delivery, setup, and other modification requests within 24-48 hours.   
• 
Customization: We work with facility administrators to customize voter flow, lines, seating and 
operational space to ensure voters and staff have ample movement in and around the facility.   
• 
Monitoring: We provide responsive support from 160 days before the election through equipment 
recovery on/or about one week after the election.   
A timeline of key steps involved prior to the election in the acquisition of our polling locations is included 
below:   
• 
160 days: The Elections Department completes a joint review with the Recorder’s Geographic 
Information System (GIS) team to determine that facility locations are compliant with consolidated 
precinct boundaries and will be geographically dispersed to meet voter turnout.  
• 
150 days: Early communication with facilities determines accessibility, compliance, and availability 
for the duration of voting requirements. A “Save the Date” message is sent to facility administrators 
to query polling place and Vote Center participation in all 2020 elections. 
• 
150-60 days: The Elections Department signs Facility Use Agreements with Presidential Preference 
Election polling locations and Vote Centers, which include dates of service and confirmation 
signatures. Facility technicians monitor for changes in dates, times, venue, and ensuring positive 
relationships with facility owners and managers. 
• 
60-21 days: Final confirmations are made with all facilities to determine if there have been any 
changes in dates, times, and/or venue. Once all confirmations are made, the Elections Department 
will post the locations on our website, Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

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During the complete election cycle, we conduct continuous monitoring of interactions with facilities. 
Department staff work to resolve issues. At the end of the election cycle, lessons learned are captured 
during the After Action Review and recorded for future use.   
6.2 – Voting Equipment Delivery & Logistics  
Vote Center equipment delivery and set up begins up to 36 days prior to the election. Set up teams will be 
comprised of laborers, drivers, t-techs, auditors and troubleshooters.  Drivers will deliver the equipment 
and supplies and perform initial set up of Vote Center support equipment. The tech crew follows behind to 
perform the technical set up and ensure the location is ready for voters. Finally, a troubleshooter will close 
the loop with a quality control check of critical systems such as the Site Books and accessible voting devices.   
Below is the Vote Center set up schedule: 
Phase 1 – 5 Vote Centers (28-day sites) open from 7/8/2020 through 8/4/2020 
Phase 2 - 55 additional Vote Centers (14-day sites) open from 7/22/2020 through 8/4/2020 
Phase 3 – 15 - 25 additional Vote Centers (7-day sites) open from 7/29/2020 through 8/4/2020 
Phase 4 – 5 - 20 additional Vote Centers (1-day sites) open on 8/4/2020 (Election Day) 
Set ups are scheduled as early in the day as possible in order to address any problems that may arise and 
set up crews are also encouraged to get ahead of the schedule as feasible.  Set up crews confirm set up 
completion with Vote Center manager and provide a second set of onsite test prints that further confirm 
BOD functionality on site.  A makeup date is injected into the planning calendar in the event that a failed 
set up occurs. 
6.2.1 – Equipment and Supply Buildout  
The Elections Department began organizing Vote Center equipment packages in mid-June 2020. Vote 
Center preparation starts with Site book updates, BOD printer checks and services which include 
performance testing.  BOD test prints will confirm functionality and as discussed, will be provided to 
executive leadership.  Green bags include all of the critical technology peripherals needed to enable site 
book and BOD connectivity and communication, they are assembled jointly by IT staff and warehouse 
personnel.  The accessible voting device and precinct based tabulators are programmed and tested by 
Ballot Tabulation Center staff and then carefully packed and configured for transport by warehouse 
personnel.  Next steps involve the non-technical preparation aspects and start with the consumable stock 
needed at each Vote Center such as blank ballot shells, envelopes, blank paper for receipts and the heavier 
weighted 8 ½” x 11” paper for the accessible voting device.  Temporary staff enter the work flow at this 
point and assume the responsibility for packaging and preparing the general supply carts, voting booths, 
all barricades, curbside signage, black box, tables and all of the stationary supplies such as sharpie ballot 
marking pens.  They follow the same equipment checklist used by permanent staff.      
6.2.2 – Election Day Facility and Operational Support  
Hotline and Troubleshooters 
Hotline and troubleshooter temporary staff support critical functions as subject matter experts; they are 
hired from a specialized pool of people with previous elections experience. They are already familiar with 
the Election Reporting System (ERS) and understand the urgent need for quickly responding to problems 
that arise.

38 | P a g e 
Troubleshooters are issued kits with extra supplies and a troubleshooter manual for reference during their 
shift. Troubleshooters act in a semi-supervisory capacity in their management of four polling places and/or 
Vote Centers and are looked to for procedural guidance and some technical support as the first line of 
problem resolution.   
Troubleshooters are involved in every step of the process especially during site set up.  They are usually the 
first layer of resolution in any problem solving at a Vote Centers and serve as a bridge between the Poll 
Workers and the support staff.   
Hotline staff are provided a detailed reference manual and a desktop application that replicates the 
SiteBook check-in system user interface so that they can navigate Poll Workers through difficult scenarios.  
Hotline staff are the primary operators of the ERS and are responsible for categorical reporting of technical 
issues, administration issues, supply issues, voter registration, procedural issues and other general 
problems that are beyond the capability of a Poll Worker to resolve.   
 
Supply Depots 
We will implement a supply depot strategy using county facilities to pre-position supplies and equipment 
for easy access in the following geographic zones; North Phoenix, Northwest Phoenix, Northeast Phoenix, 
West Valley, Southwest Valley, East Valley, and Southeast Valley.  Pre-positioning of key equipment and 
supplies at distant and highly accessible and secure locations will greatly enhance our ability to get 
replacements out quickly and further reduce risk.  For the August Primary, retail spaces provide a unique 
capability for secondary use as supply depots as access is unlimited and there are no facility host concerns. 
 
Supply depots are stocked during the same delivery window as the Vote Centers as the intent is to test 
their functionality and use during the early voting period.  Key supplies include frequently used 
consumables such as blank ballot shells, envelopes, and cleaning and safety supplies to respond to COVID-
19 health concerns.  Other critical equipment includes extra site books, precinct based tabulators and 
printers as well as all critical support peripherals such as wireless devices, cabling and power cords.  We 
determine inventory stock rates at each depot by population density, projected turnout rates and prior in 
person voting patterns.   
 
6.2.3 – Election Equipment Recovery 
The Elections Department plans to pick up all additional election equipment between March 18 and 27. 
The pickup schedule is designed to accommodate facilities with specific requirements for immediate 
equipment removal. Every attempt is made to collect equipment and materials from every facility as timely 
and safely as possible, with a return of all facility rooms and furniture to original state. First priority after 
safety is accountability of all equipment with the highest priority assigned to capital assets which will 
receive color-coded asset tags. Secondary priority is the immediate identification of deficiencies or 
damages that may have occurred during the election cycle. Finally, all equipment will be cleaned, recorded 
virtually in the warehouse management system and re-stowed according to assignment. Printers, laptops, 
voting equipment and other passive electronic components will be scheduled for post-election servicing in 
accordance with original equipment manufacturer guidance. 
To increase safety, returned equipment will be segregated from the general population and stored “as is” 
for two days before being unbundled, inspected, cleaned and re-stowed.  Each aisle at the rear of the 
warehouse will be pre-designated by day for storage until the two days have passed.  Temporary workers

39 | P a g e 
will wear gloves as they are supervised for the unbundle of all equipment.  After inspection and cleaning 
has been completed the warehouse team will work in conjunction with the Recorders IT team to ready 
equipment for deployment in the November General Election.  .   
6.3 – Logistics and Warehouse Management Training and Continuous Improvement 
In most cases, the Elections Department will cross-train temporary staff in two or more functional areas. 
This reduces operational constraints and builds confidence in the team as well as with polling place and 
Vote Center staff. 
Informal training for drivers begins the last of June 2020 with familiarization of equipment package building 
and ballot courier duties. Drivers provide support with package building, site setups, and ballot courier 
support.   
 
We are launching a new ballot on demand printer and adding an additional training period that includes 
extensive hands on training with extensive on site iterative training sessions.  The training is scheduled to 
begin during the last week of June and will include two weeks of training at actual Vote Centers, we plan to 
produce subject matter experts by exposing temporary support staff to a variety of vignette style scenarios.  
The first temp cohort is scheduled to start on June 22 and would be asked to support the training of the 
next temp cohort starting on July 6.  This method worked very well during the preparation for the March 
PPE.    
Training for the drivers and ballot couriers will consist of two formalized two-part sessions conducted by 
county risk management staff.  The first part will be a classroom presentation and discussion followed by a 
truck and van backing exercise conducted at the warehouse dock doors.  These training sessions will be 
conducted on June 29 and July 6.   
 
During the Early Voting period, hotline staff, troubleshooters, and available county employees supporting 
the August Primary, will be invited to a one-day refresher training and synchronization meeting.  This 
training will focus on the ERS and will use a series of vignettes designed to provoke discussion on potential 
technical, procedural, and operational challenges that are common at Vote Centers. External support such 
as Runbeck Election Services will be invited to this training as well, mostly to synchronize operationally, but 
also to provide high level technical instruction as appropriate.  
 
6.3.1 – All Encompassing Synchronization Meeting 
Once all training has been completed and equipment, packets, badges have all been issued, the Elections 
Department will conduct an all hands synchronization meeting to ensure that all coordinating details are 
vetted, briefed, discussed and fully understood by the following key temporary personnel: 1) 
Troubleshooters, 2) Inspectors, 3) T-techs, 4) Auditors, 5) Ballot Couriers, 6) Warehouse Drivers, and 7) 
Additional County Employees supporting the Primary election.  Additional stakeholders may include 
Runbeck staff and Recorder staff that are supporting in any capacity.  This meeting will cover all aspects of 
operations with a focus on response mechanisms in place.  Walk through a complex scenario that may 
involve elevation beyond the troubleshooter, beyond the t-tech and actions to take.  Discuss the command 
center hierarchy, the hotline task organization and IT areas of responsibility.   
6.4 – Logistics and Facility Key Performance Indicators

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We will measure our performance through the following Key Performance Indicators:  
1. Election Site Resourcing:  Measures the level of resourcing provided to election sites, this indicator 
allows us to track and measure equipment package defects, the most important function of the 
warehouse and logistics team.   
2. Percentage of on time deliveries: Department standard is to deliver all assigned election equipment and 
supplies to an election site 18 hours prior to Setup Day.  .  
3. Uniformity at sites: The Elections Department uses the same standard for accuracy at all election sites.  
This will be determined and tracked through a 10% internal inspection/audit. 
4. Property Accountability: Refers to a measure of a) missing equipment, b) tracking of equipment, and c) 
documentation, and includes verification of a paper trail that follows the equipment’s journey from 
pallet rack to staging area to dock door to truck to election site and back 
5. Response Time: Measures our response time to solve facility problems beyond the scope/capability of 
a Troubleshooter.

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7.0 – Tabulation Equipment and Counting Plan 
 
The Elections Department’s Tabulation plan for the August 2020 Primary Election outlines how we will 
process and count ballots. The factors related to successfully and accurately tabulate votes include:   
• 
Verifying that the amount of tabulation equipment is sufficient to accommodate forecasted 
turnout 
• 
Using equipment that meets certification and testing requirements 
• 
Implementing physical and cyber security measures  
• 
Securely storing original ballots and creating audit trails   
• 
Hiring bi-partisan central boards to assist with hand count audits, adjudication, and other 
tabulation activities   
 
7.1 – Tabulation Approach and Strategy   
State statute allows five business days for the processing of provisional ballots and curing of inconsistent 
signatures on early ballots (A.R.S. 16-550 and 16-584D). Our goal is to have 99% of all valid ballots counted 
and reported by the end of the cure period.  To assist with meeting this timeline, the Board approved the 
lease of a new tabulation system, Dominion Democracy 5.5-B Suite to replace the prior tabulation system 
purchased in 1996.  The new system will improve the tabulation process by ensuring the handling of ballots 
and counting of votes cast are completed with the maximum efficiency, security, transparency, integrity, 
and oversight.  
 
7.1.1 – Efficiency  
For the 2020 August Primary Election, votes will be counted by precinct based tabulators (ICP2) if voting in-
person on Election Day, or by central count tabulators (High Speed or Cannon G1130) if voting by mail, a 
provisional ballot or at an early Vote Center.    
Precinct Based Tabulation 
Precinct based tabulation occurs on Election Day as voters insert their ballot into a tabulator at their polling 
location. The Elections Department posts these results after 8 p.m. on Election Day as the equipment is 
returned from each of the 100 Vote Centers.     
Central Count Based Tabulation 
Our new central count tabulators are capable of scanning and counting ballots much quicker than our old 
equipment. After 20 years of expertise on our old equipment, best-case scenarios yielded processing 
speeds of 3,000-5,000 ballots per hour/per machine. However, due to bandwidth and memory limitations, 
the old equipment could only be used for approximately six hours per day.   
After a series of stress tests performed in the Fall of 2019 and experience from the March 2020 Presidential 
Preference Election, we determined the new equipment is capable of processing up to 6,000- 8,000 ballots 
per hour/per machine using batch processing as required by statute and the SOS Procedures Manual (see 
A.R.S 16-602.F).   
Based on the turnout forecast completed in Section 2.0 (page 8), we anticipate total voter turnout to be 
between 699,127 and 759,136, with approximately 100,000 eligible voters casting their ballot at a Vote

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Center on Election Day.  Using an estimate that 650,000 valid early ballots will be counted using the central 
count tabulators, we can make staffing projections and estimate time needed to count ballots.     
For the August Primary Election, we will use four high-speed scanners and five additional central count 
tabulators. Using a single eight-hour-shift (six tabulation hours), we will have a daily capacity to count 
approximately 175,500 ballots per-day. These amounts indicate that it will require us 3.7 days to count 
ballots. State statute allows us to start tabulating early ballots 14 days in advance of the election. However, 
we typically do not receive all ballots at once, and voters tend to return closer to Election Day.   
In the 2018 General Election, we received approximately 368,000 (31% of total 1.2 million early ballots) 
“late earlies,” ballots by mail the day before the election or early ballots dropped off at the polls. If we 
conservatively assume that 40% of early ballots will be “late earlies,” we will need to count approximately 
260,000 ballots after Election Day. Early ballot processing (e.g., sorting, signature verification, removing 
from the envelope) can take 1-3 days. Given the processing capacity of 50,000 ballots per-day, coupled 
with the tabulation capacity of 175,500 ballots per day, we estimate to have counted 95% of all ballots 
within five days after the Election. Since the new equipment is not limited in memory and bandwidth, we 
can implement separate shifts if turnout exceeds expectations or to decrease the number of days needed 
for counting.     
Adjudication and Duplication Process  
When early ballots are damaged, defective, or when voter’s intent is clearly indicated, but can’t be 
determined by the tabulation system, we will electronically duplicate and adjudicate the ballot and then 
use a bi-partisan adjudication board overseen by an inspector to decide if voter intent can be determined. 
Each board will be comprised of at least two members who are registered voters of different political 
parties.   
 
We conservatively estimate that the percent of ballots requiring duplication will range between 10-12%.  
Based on turnout forecasts, this would create a range of 26,000 – 31,200 ballots. Considering the length of 
the ballot, we would need to hire approximately 20 duplication boards (40 party representatives) to finish 
duplication in four eight-hour shifts.  We anticipate completing 95% of adjudication within five days after 
Election Day.   
 
7.1.2 – Security, Integrity, Transparency, and Oversight 
There are many components to maintaining security, integrity, transparency, and oversight over the 
tabulation process and equipment. They include system testing (e.g., certification, logic and accuracy 
testing), physical security, cyber security, using paper ballots, performing audits, hiring bi-partisan central 
boards, and other checks and balances.  Some of these items are described in further detail below.  
 
Certification and Accuracy Testing 
As required by state statute, the Dominion Voting System we will use for the 2020 August Primary election 
is certified by the Federal U. S. Election Assistance Commission, the State’s Equipment Certification 
Advisory Committee, and the Secretary of State. (see A.R.S. §16-442). The certification process included 
using a hash code check or “fingerprint” taken of the software that is stored offsite at a federal agency. 
Through a series of logic and accuracy tests, this hash code is re-checked before and after the election to 
verify the program has not been altered or edited.

43 | P a g e 
The logic and accuracy test is intended to confirm that votes are attributed to the correct candidates and 
ballot measures in the election management system (EMS), and that each candidate and ballot measure 
receives the accurate number of votes. 
The Elections Department’s Election Day and Early Voting Directors are responsible for performing the logic 
and accuracy test on all voting equipment prior to each election. The conduct of the test is overseen by 
inspectors (of different political parties) and is open to observation by representatives of the political 
parties, candidates, the press, and the public. Since this election involves a federal office, the Secretary of 
State is also responsible for conducting an additional logic and accuracy test on selected voting equipment. 
(see A.R.S. § 16-449). 
Physical and Cyber security  
The Elections Departments maintains a series of strong physical and network security controls. Security 
protocols prevent us from describing these control measures in further detail.  
 
Paper Ballots and Hand Count Audits  
The Elections Department retains the original paper ballot until the election is officially canvassed, after 
which time ballots from the Primary Election are stored according to record retention requirements. The 
new tabulators also scan and store a digital copy of every ballot with a digital audit mark that is affixed 
detailing how the ballot was counted. Since the new equipment creates a digital image of the ballot, the 
Elections Department immediately secures and stores the actual original paper ballots by batch after 
tabulation. We store the ballots in batches of 200 or less, which allows us to quickly locate the physical 
ballots if there is a need to compare them with the digital copy.   
 
We validate the accuracy of the tabulation system through a random Hand Count Audit done on 1% of early 
ballots and 2% of the polling place ballots. This manual hand count will be completed by appointees of each 
of the political parties and not performed by our office or staff. The Hand Count Audit is performed by three 
member boards of differing political parties (for checks and balances) on ballots randomly selected by the 
political party observers. The boards compare their hand count results to the amounts counted by the 
tabulations machines. Board members may not bring any electronic devices, black pens, blue pens, or cell 
phones into the hand count room.    
 
Bi-Partisan Boards and Observers  
The Central Counting Place will be staffed by tabulation technicians, Dominion representatives (our ballot 
tabulation vendor), bi-partisan Central Boards (e.g., snag, duplication, write-in tally, audit), and political 
party observers. The Elections Department’s Directors appoint the Central Boards, which are comprised of 
two members of different political parties, and are trained on their duties before assuming their positions. 
The Elections Departments recruiting efforts include requesting each party provide lists of nominees the 
Directors will consider for appointment to a Central Board.   
 
All persons taking part in the actual processing and counting of ballots, including our staff members, will be 
appointed in writing and take an oath office that they will faithfully and impartially perform their duties. 
Any person who has not been appointed in writing or taken the oath shall, under no circumstances, be 
permitted to touch any ballot, computer, or counting device used in processing ballots.  
 
7.2 – Reporting Results and Canvass 
The Election Day & Early VotingDirectors share responsibility for promptly transmitting election results to 
the Secretary of State, prior to or immediately after making those results public. On Election Day, results

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will be transmitted at 8 p.m. As the Elections Department transmit results once a day as it tabulates 
additional results prior to the county canvass.  
 
The Elections Department will submit the Canvass to the Board for approval and will include the following 
information (A.R.S. §   16-249(C)):  
1. A Statement of Votes Cast, which includes: 
a. The number of ballots cast in each Congressional District in the county;  
b. The number of ballots rejected in each Congressional District in  the county; 
c. The title of the offices up for election and the names of the persons (along with the party 
designation) running to fill those offices;  
d. The number of votes for each candidate by Congressional District in the county;  
2. A cumulative Official Final Report, which includes: 
a. The total number of Congressional Districts; 
b. The total number of ballots cast; 
c. The total number of registered voters eligible for the election; 
d. The number of votes for each candidate by congressional district  
 
7.3 – Tabulation Timeline  
MARCH 2020 PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE ELECTION KEY DATES 
Date 
Description (Statue Reference) 
July 2, 2020 
Publish Logic and Accuracy Test Notice (48 hours before test date) 
July 7, 2020  
Complete Logic and Accuracy Test  
July 21, 2020  
Start of Tabulation (14 days prior to the election) 
August 4, 2020 
Initial Results Reporting at 8 p.m. 
August 5-14, 2020 
As needed, daily updates will be reported at 5 p.m.  
August 5, 2020 
Hand Count Audit Draw 
August 14, 2020 
Deadline for Board Approval of Canvass

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8.0 – Risk Management and Contingency Plan 
The Elections Department’s Risk Management and Contingency Plan for the August 2020 Primary Election 
establishes the procedures that will be followed in the event that a polling location or the central count 
center becomes temporarily or permanently inoperable on Election Day due to equipment failures, a power 
outage, or other unforeseen disruption. The objective of the Risk Management and Contingency plan is to 
outline how the Elections Department will identify potential risks, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and 
provide for the continuity of voting and tabulation on Election Day. 
 
8.1 – Risk Management and Contingency Planning Methodology and Approach 
Risk management is a continuous, forward-looking process that is an important part of conducting an 
election. We perform risk management activities to identify potential risks that may adversely impact an 
election and develop strategies that can mitigate these risks if they occur. The Elections Department’s risk 
management process includes:  
• 
Identification of key operations that would have the most significant impact if they were 
unavailable during the course of the election.  
• 
Assignment of project managers (e.g., Election Directors, Assistant Directors) over key processes 
(e.g., communications, staffing, training, facilities acquisition, logistics) to work with stakeholders 
to ensure risks are actively identified, analyzed, and managed throughout the project.   
• 
Crisis Communication Strategy that describes how risks will be documented and escalated. (See 
Section 3.36, Page 19).   
 
Voting Locations 
In the event that a single or small number of voting location(s) experiences an emergency, the Elections 
Communications Officer will use social media, traditional media, and other means where possible to advise 
voters of the emergency and the nearest Vote Center location until the emergency is resolved. Maricopa 
County is deploying 75-100 Vote Centers that any voter can use in the event that one location is unavailable. 
 
In conjunction with local public safety authorities, an assessment will be made in order to determine the 
operational status of vote location(s) by the Elections Department’s Facilities Acquisition Division. If the 
Assistant Director for Logistics finds that the emergency will significantly or permanently close the location, 
a new location will be found. The Facilities Acquisition Division will oversee the posting of signs providing 
the information on the revised voting location. Signs will be placed as near as possible to the evacuated 
location(s) alerting voters of the relocated voting location, as well as the location of the nearest Vote Center 
location and the website address for the complete list of Vote Center locations. 
 
The Division of Recruitment and Training will communicate this information to Inspectors, Trouble Shooters 
and/or other Poll Workers.  The Elections Department Communications Director will communicate the new 
location to the public.  
 
If the emergency is widespread and affects many voting locations, the Elections Department will work with 
local authorities to perform an assessment of the situation. We’ll provide timely updates as described in 
the Crisis Communications Plan (Section 3.27, page 20).    
 
If a location loses power, the Elections Department has backup generators, supplemental lighting, and 
other emergency supplies that we will dispatch from the Supply Depots for quick response. The Elections

46 | P a g e 
Department has established additional contingencies for long-term, widespread, power outages or cellular 
network failures.     
 
• 
Sealed Break-in Case of Emergency Kit: This includes emergency voter check-in procedures, blank 
paper check-in roster, transfer tickets, and transfer forms. 
• 
ICX Accessible Voting Device: The device has an uninterrupted back-up power source. The device 
is loaded with all ballot styles and available to use as a vote anywhere model in case of an 
emergency.   
• 
Paper rosters can be quickly printed and distributed. This would require the use of Provisional 
Ballots.     
 
Voting Supplies and Equipment   
If a voting location’s supplies or equipment are missing or inoperable, Poll Workers, Trouble Shooters and 
Observers will use hotlines to advise the Elections Department. Replacement supplies and equipment will 
be dispatch from one of ten Supply Depot locations across the County. 
 
The Elections Department has addressed on-site contingencies with the use multiple SiteBooks and BOD 
printers. All voting locations have at least six SiteBook check-in terminals, one accessible voting device and 
a ballot tabulator. Vote Centers also have two ballot-on-demand printers.   If other equipment 
malfunctions, ten Supply Depots across the county contain back-up equipment, which Trouble Shooters 
and other technical support staff will deliver.   
 
Central Counting Center  
In the event that the MCTEC facility is inoperable on Election Day due to a centralized emergency, the 
Elections Department will relocate the Tabulation Center to the City of Phoenix’s Election Department. This 
process includes delivering and securing tabulation equipment and materials. 
 
Based on the joint agreement of bothElection Director’s to relocate the Tabulation Center location, Election 
Department employees assigned to work in election night activities will proceed to the relocation site. The 
Elections Department will establish a personnel check-in area to account for all assigned workers. Work 
assignments will be allocated based on election night responsibilities and include voting location 
ballot/supplies receiving, securing, unpacking, secure ballot storage, tabulation, and the reporting of 
unofficial elections results.  
 
Staff assigned to early ballot signature verification will relocate to the Recorder’s downtown facility to 
continue with that process. Early Ballot Processing, write-in and duplication boards will report to the City 
of Phoenix Elections Department. The Election Department Division of Recruitment & Training will 
communicate with all Central Board Workers to confirm their work location and any other important 
information. Cellular phones, two way radios, and email will be used for internal staff communications. 
 
The Director of Election Day and Emergency Voting will notify the Secretary of State (and the chairpersons 
of the recognized political parties) if this tabulation contingency plan is invoked. 
 
Poll Worker Absences and Emergencies 
 
The Election Department Division for Recruitment & Training is responsible for ensuring that an adequate 
number of Poll Workers, including bilingual workers are hired and trained to work Election Day. In addition

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to hiring ten Poll Workers for each voting location, we are also hiring 30 back-up inspectors should a polling 
location have insufficient or absent Poll Workers.  The hiring of extra Poll Workers will allow us to overcome 
an absentee rate of 30-40%.   
 
If a Poll Worker does not report for work, the Inspector is trained to call the Poll Worker hotline to request 
the Elections Department hire and dispatch a replacement worker.  If the Inspector does not report, a Judge 
will assume temporary Inspector responsibilities of the polling location and call the Hotline for further 
instructions, including the request for a replacement Inspector and/or additional workers. 
 
If a Poll Worker becomes ill during Election Day or has a personal emergency, the worker will be allowed to 
leave and will be replaced.  If a health emergency occurs with a Poll Worker or any other individual in the 
voting location, the Inspector is trained to call 911 and then the Poll Worker hotline. 
 
8.2 – Provisions for Extending Voting Hours 
  
In the case of a terrorist attack or natural or man-made disaster, the Director of Election Day and Emergency 
Voting will consult with the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office and the 
Secretary of State’s Office to determine what action should be taken. Because the Legislature has not 
provided the County nor the courts with the statutory authority to seek an extension of voting hours, the 
County will not initiate any court action to extend polling location hours for isolated events such as power 
outages or a delay in opening a polling location. 
 
8.3 – Emergency Communications and Key Stakeholders  
The Crisis Communications Team will be activated and a response plan will be set in action to disseminate 
critical information to voters and other key stakeholders.  As described in the Crisis Communications Plan 
(Section 3.27, page 20) the Director for Election Day & Emergency Voting or designee will contact the Board 
of Supervisors and Secretary of State to apprise them of any emergency and the proposed recovery plan.   
The following entities have been identified as key stakeholders and are included in the communication and 
escalation plan.   
 
• 
Voters 
• 
Poll Workers 
• 
Elections Department Staff 
• 
Board of Supervisors 
• 
County Recorder 
• 
News Media 
• 
Jurisdictions 
• 
Arizona Secretary of State 
• 
Political Parties 
• 
Candidates or Campaigns 
• 
Maricopa County Attorney 
• 
Arizona Attorney General 
• 
Maricopa County Sheriff and other state 
and local police 
• 
Arizona Counter Terrorism Information 
Center 
• 
Maricopa County Department of 
Emergency Management 
• 
FBI 
• 
U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
• 
The U.S. Attorney’s Office

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8.3.1 – Sheriff’s Support 
 
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has assigned specific deputy officers to the Elections Department in case 
of disturbances or emergency at any voting location on Election Day. All Poll Workers are trained to call the 
hotline and Sheriff Deputies will be dispatched as needed. All Poll Workers are trained to call 911 in case of 
immediate and/or life threatening emergency.

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9.0 – Election Budget 
 
We had originally projected a budget of $7.3 million to fund the August Primary Election.  Due to COIVD-
19, we are anticipating that costs will now exceed $9.9 million.  We plan to seek reimbursement for all 
allowed COVID-19 costs, which are currently budgeted at nearly $2.6 million. The Elections Department’s 
August Primary Election budget is below.   
August 2020 Primary Election Budget 
Expenditure Description 
Sub Total 
Total 
Staffing 
Poll Workers (Vote Centers and Polling Locations) 
$1,153,987 
 
Central Board and Other Temporary Workers 
$895,758 
Other (background checks, temporary agency fees) 
$162,030 
STAR Call Center Temps and Security Services 
$159,000 
Additional Staffing Costs Due to COVID-19 
$339,607 
Staffing Total 
$2,710,382 
Supplies and Services 
Ballot Printing (Polling Location / Sample Ballots) 
$376,749 
 
Early Ballot Printing and processing and Mailing 
$3,113,351 
Ballot Printing and Mailing Cost Increases due to COVID-19 
$612,200 
Polling Place Rental Agreements 
$17,090 
Polling Place Rental Agreements Lease Costs due to COVID-19 
$375,000 
Temporary Parking Lots, Vehicle Rentals 
$52,000 
Polling Places Supplies and Consumables Other Supplies & Services 
(e.g., translation, ballot storage, braille envelopes) 
$552,276 
Advertising, Direct Mailers 
$300,000 
 COVD-19 Cleaning Supplies and Protective Equipment  
$400,000 
COVD-19 Physical Distancing Equipment and Ballot-on-Demand 
Printers 
$800,000 
COVD-19 Advertising Increase 
$600,000 
Supplies and Services Total 
 
$7,198,666 
Election Total Budget 
 
$9,909,048

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Appendix A – Poll Worker Training Topics 
Specific role based training topics by role and type of voting location are included in the table below.   
Topic 
Polling Places 
Judges / 
Inspectors 
Marshals 
Voter Reg. clerks 
Clerks 
Cleaning and Sanitation Guidelines for Safe Voting during COVID-19 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Hours the voting location will be open 
X 
X 
X 
X 
ICX Operation 
X 
X 
X 
Image Cast Precinct 2 Tabulator Operation 
X 
X 
X 
Information specific to Primary Elections 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Inventorying supplies 
X 
Mediation/Difficult Conversations 
X 
X 
Monitoring envelope drop-off box 
X 
X 
Nightly closing 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Opening the voting location 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Political party observers 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Poll Worker injuries 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Poll Workers’ hours 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Practicing Social and Physical Distancing 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Preparing the official and unofficial envelope contents  
X 
Procedures for challenges 
X 
Procedures for checking identification 
X 
X 
Proper Use of Required PPE 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Provisional ballot processing 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Review of election laws and procedures   
X 
X 
X 
X 
Signage 
X 
Site Books Operation 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Voter Flow through the Voting Location 
X 
X 
X 
X

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Appendix A – Poll Worker Training Topics (Continued) 
Topic 
Polling Places 
Vote Centers 
Judges / Inspectors 
Line Mgmt./ Marshals 
Voter Reg. clerks 
Clerks 
MC Set Up Crew 
Judges / Inspectors 
Marshals 
Voter Reg. Clerks 
Clerks 
Situational Awareness 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Spoiled ballot procedures 
X 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
Standard voting procedures 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Transmitting results and/or delivery of voted ballots 
X 
X 
Troubleshooting, including when and how to implement wait-time 
reduction and other contingency plans;  
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Updates to election laws and procedures (In writing) 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Use of precinct registers and/or the issuance of ballot types/styles 
(political party, FED only, ballot splits, etc.) 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Voting equipment checks, including ensuring that equipment seals 
have not been tampered with and match the seal log;  
X 
X 
X 
Who may vote in the election 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X