00 FINAL 2026 PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTION PLAN.PDF
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Election Plan
2026 PRIMARY &
GENERAL ELECTIONS
Maricopa.Vote
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0. Primary and General Elections Plan Executive Summary ........................................................... 1
2.0 Planning for the Elections, Turnout, and Wait-Time Reduction Plan .................................... 1 - 12
3.0 Communications Plan ....................................................................................................... 13 - 18
4.0 Staffing Plan ...................................................................................................................... 19 - 23
5.0 Training Plan ..................................................................................................................... 24 - 28
6.0 Facilities and Logistics Plan .............................................................................................. 29 – 36
7.0 Tabulation and Central Count Plan ......................................................................................... 37 - 44
8.0 Risk Management and Contingency Plan ................................................................................ 45 - 47
9.0 Primary and General Election Plan Costs ...................................................................................... 48
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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1.0 - 2026 Primary and General Elections Plan - Executive Summary
The Maricopa County 2026 Election Plan outlines the strategies, constraints, and methods Elections
Department staff will use to prepare for the 2026 Primary (7/21/2026) and General (11/3/2026)
elections. The plan is intended to guide Maricopa County as it provides voters with a safe, reliable,
secure, transparent, and accessible election. 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.
1.1 - Maricopa County Elections
Maricopa County Elections works in tandem with the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office to
administer elections in Maricopa County. In accordance with state statutes the Elections
Department will perform the following activities for the 2026 Primary and General Elections.
-
Candidate Filing and Campaign Finance Services
-
Ballot Building and Ballot Printing
-
Recruiting and Training Poll Workers and other Election Boards
-
In-Person Voting for Emergency Voting and Election Day
-
Pre-Tabulation Processing
-
Tabulation, Central Counting Center Operations, and Reporting Results
-
Facilitating the Hand Count Audits performed by the political parties
-
Completing post-election audits and reconciliations and any court ordered recounts
1.1.1 - Accessible, Reliable, Secure, Transparent, Efficient Voting Options
The mission and vision of the Maricopa County Elections Department drives operations and areas
of focus. They help us improve our operations and motivate staff by guiding strategies and goals.
MISSION
The mission of Maricopa County Elections is to build public trust and confidence by
providing accessible, reliable, secure, transparent, and efficient election services.
VISION
Our vision is to promote a culture of service, continuous improvement, accountability,
collaboration, and integrity in every action, strategy, objective, and election process.
2.0 - Planning for the Election
Maricopa County Elections began planning for the 2026 Elections over a year in advance. As we
progress through the election cycle, we refine our plans to ensure they meet the needs of the
specific election and voters.
Election planning began by reserving facilities, forecasting turnout, training poll worker leadership,
designing a marketing and outreach plan, maintaining equipment, supporting candidate filing,
drawing precinct maps, and identifying voting locations. This phase also included conducting mock
elections to test new procedures and robust stress testing of our Ballot-on-Demand printers. The
next phase of preparations includes developing recruiting plans for temporary workers (poll
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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workers, central boards, and other temporary staff), ordering supplies, programming voting
equipment, designing the ballot, preparing ballots for overseas and military voters, building delivery
routes, creating election specific training curriculum, implementing media and voter outreach
plans, and creating risk analysis deliverables.
2.1 - Primary and General Election Calendar
The critical dates that will drive Maricopa County Elections planning efforts are included in the
tables below.
2026 PRIMARY ELECTION KEY DATES
Date
Description
June 6, 2026
Deliver military & overseas ballots (MilitaryOverseas.Maricopa.Vote)
~June 6, 2026
Update “Where Do I Vote” webpage (Locations.Maricopa.Vote)
June 22, 2026
Voter registration deadline (Register.Maricopa.Vote)
June 24– July 17, 2026
Early Voting – in person and by mail
July 10, 2026
Last day to request an early ballot through the mail
July 14, 2026
Recommended date to return ballot by mail
July 18 – 20, 2026
Emergency Voting
July 21, 2026
Election Day
August 3, 2026
Board of Supervisors Canvass
~Aug. 3 – 11, 2026
Automatic Recount (if needed)
2026 GENERAL ELECTION KEY DATES
Date
Description
September 19, 2026
Deliver military & overseas ballots (MilitaryOverseas.Maricopa.Vote)
~September 19, 2026
Update “Where Do I Vote” webpage (Locations.Maricopa.Vote)
October 5, 2026
Voter registration deadline (Register.Maricopa.Vote)
Oct. 7– Oct. 30, 2026
Early Voting – in person and by mail
October 23, 2026
Last day to request an early ballot through the mail
October 27, 2026
Recommended date to return ballot by mail
Oct. 31 – Nov.2, 2026
Emergency Voting
November 3, 2026
Election Day
November ~
Board of Supervisors Canvass
~Nov. 19 – Dec. 4,
2026
Automatic Recount (if needed)
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2.2 - Voter Registration Increases
Since June 2015, active registered voters in Maricopa County has increased from 1,965,605 to
2,566,257 (31 percent). As of April 2026, there are 906,036 (35.3%) Independent or Party Not
Designated Voters. In comparison, there are 897,104 (35.0%) Republican Voters and 713,671
(27.8%) Democratic voters.
Historically, registration activity tends to increase leading up to an election. Based on registration
activity in similar election years (2018 and 2022), we anticipate there will be between 2,359,598
and 2,588,728 voters actively registered by October 5, 2026, the Voter Registration Deadline for the
November General Election. The chart below shows that the monthly pattern of voter registration
increases from June 2015 through December 2025. It also includes the low and high projections for
the total registered voters in October 2026.
2.3 - Voter Turnout
Forecast models include Early Voting and Election Day turnout projections for the 2026 Primary
and General elections. The Wait-Time Reduction Plan focuses on both Emergency and Election Day
voting at Vote Centers and meets statutory and legal requirements outlined in section 2.7.2 below.
The objectives for creating a forecast model and Wait-Time Reduction Plan includes:
•
Create and use a forecast model that provides a fair estimation of Early Voting and Election
Day turnout
•
Use the model to develop Election Day and Emergency 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-times at each location so they can make
informed decisions on when and where to vote
2.4 - Forecast Models
There are many year-to-year factors that can influence turnout. To help us prepare for the election
we developed our forecast model to estimate turnout based on the following six factors:
1. Average voter turnout of all prior Primary and General Elections.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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2. Voter turnout from the prior elections of a similar type. For the Primary and General
elections, we used turnout from the 2022 and 2024 election years.
3. 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))
4. Number of registered voters ( A.R.S. § 16-411(J)(3))
5. Number of registered voters who requested an early ballot or are on AEVL, (A.R.S. § 16-
411(J)(2))
6. Potential number of ineligible voters that could attempt to vote.
2.4.1 - Forecast Model Constraints and Considerations
Elections occur infrequently and turnout is largely driven as a product of current events,
candidates involved in the contest, ballot measures, and voter engagement. Since it is difficult to
measure and corelate precise turnout based on these factors, we use actual turnout from prior
similar elections as the primary factor for estimating turnout.
This difficulty in forecasting turnout is one of the key benefits to using a “Vote Anywhere” Vote
Center model. Vote Centers provide significant advantages for voters to overcome wait times
because they are no longer assigned to a single precinct.
In 2026, voters can choose from any of the 237 Primary Election Locations and anticipated 250 -
260 General Election locations. Voters can visit the Locations.Maricopa.Vote website to find
convenient locations along with wait-times. If a longer wait-time forms, a voter can visit another
convenient location with a shorter wait-time.
Primary Election Forecast Models
Our model estimates that total turnout will be between 614,523 and 910,837 voters that participate
in the July Primary Election. The forecast also estimates that there will be between 63,008 and
162,986 voters that participate on Election Day. See table below for forecast voter turnout
estimates.
2026 PRIMARY ELECTION – FORECAST MODEL
Forecast Factor
LOW END OF
RANGE
HIGH END
OF RANGE
MOST LIKELY
ESTIMATED VOTERS
Registered Voters (Active Voters Only)
2,425,293
2,572,627
2,535,794
Turnout Percentage (Active Voters Only)
25.34%
35.4%
33.68%
Total Turnout
614,523
910,837
854,134
Election Day – Eligible Voters Only
62,230
159,632
118,090
Election Day – Provisionals Not Counted1
779
3,363
2,087
Election Day Turnout (Includes
Provisionals)
63,008
162,986
120,177
Early Ballots (In-Person Early, Drop Off,
Mail)
552,293
751,213
736,044
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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General Election Forecast Models
Our model estimates that total turnout will be between 1,386,775 and 1,669,602 voters that
participate in the November General Election. The forecast also estimates that there will be
between 226,978 and 325,822 voters that participate on Election Day. See table below for forecast
voter turnout estimates.
2026 GENERAL ELECTION – FORECAST MODEL
Forecast Factor
LOW END OF
RANGE
HIGH END
OF RANGE
MOST LIKELY
ESTIMATED VOTERS
Registered Voters (Active Voters Only)
2,359,598
2,588,728
2,531,446
Turnout Percentage (Active Voters Only)
58.77%
64.50%
58.77%
Total Turnout
1,386,775
1,669,.602
1,487,773
Election Day – Eligible Voters Only
222,756
315,680
260,140
Election Day – Provisionals Not Counted2
4,221
10,142
6,873
Election Day Turnout (Includes
Provisionals)
226,978
325,822
267,012
Early Ballots (In-Person Early, Drop Off,
Mail)
1,164,019
1,353,922
1,227,633
2.5 - July Primary, Jurisdictional Elections, and Ballot Selections
In the July Primary, voters choose their preference for a party’s candidate to be on the ballot in the
November General Election. Federal, state, and county offices, as well as local jurisdictions3 with
candidates and/or issues will appear on Maricopa County’s July Primary Election ballots (A.R.S. §
16-204)4.
Maricopa County has three recognized political parties— Republican, Democrat, and Libertarian.
At the state level, the Green Party and No Labels Party are also recognized. Voters registered with
these five political parties will be issued a ballot with the partisan races and local jurisdictions they
are eligible to vote. Independent voters and those registered without a political party preference
must actively request the partisan ballot of their choice (Republican, Democrat, or No Labels only)
or a non-partisan ballot (if available for the city or town in which they live) in order to participate in
3 Primary Election – 22 Cities and Towns called an election prior to the deadline: Apache Junction, Avondale,
Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler, El Mirage, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear,
Guadalupe, Litchfield Park, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tolleson, Wickenburg,
Youngtown / General Election – 12 Cities and Towns: Avondale, Cave Creek, Chandler, Gila Bend, Glendale, Mesa,
Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottdale, Tempe, Tolleson, and any other candidate contests from the Primary
that have a runoff; 27 School Districts and the Special Districts
4 State law determines that for the purposes of increasing voter participation and for decreasing the costs to
taxpayers, the Primary and General election should be consolidated to provide voters just one ballot for this election.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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this election. Independent voters may make that request by mail, online at BeBallotReady.Vote, by
phone (602-506-1511) or when voting in-person.
Maricopa County will have over 30,000 unique ballot styles for the July Primary Election.
2.6 - Increased Access
Maricopa County Elections will ensure voters are aware of all voting options for the upcoming
elections. Whether the voter decides to vote by mail or in-person, our goal is to provide safe,
secure, reliable, and accessible choices.
Voting by Mail
Arizona law has allowed “no excuse” absentee voting for over two decades, known as Early Voting.
A voter can request a one-time ballot in the mail or sign up for the Active Early Voting List (AEVL).
Voters may make this request by visiting or contacting the Recorder’s Office. Early voters should
sign and date the envelope, as well as provide a phone number that election workers can use to
reach voters if there is a signature issue. Voters may return Early Ballots by mail or at any secure
ballot drop box or Vote Center offered by Maricopa County. Hours of availability will be posted
approximately 45 days before each election.
In addition to traditional ballot-by-mail options, Maricopa County also provides voters with
additional early ballot options. Voters may make requests for the following options by email
SEB@maricopa.gov or phone (602) 506-1511:
•
Braille ballots
•
Large print ballots
•
Spanish ballots
•
Special Election Boards – Voters who are unable to vote by mail or in person due to a
confining illness or disability may request a Special Election Board. These Boards are made
up of two members of differing political parties who travel to the voter with the voter’s ballot
to facilitate the voting process. Often these voters are in hospitals or nursing homes.
In-Person Voting
Prior to the 2020 Election Cycle, Maricopa County used a precinct model assigning voters to a
single precinct on Election Day. Maricopa County implemented an in-person “vote anywhere” Vote
Center model in 2020. The Vote Center model was further refined during the 2022 and 2024
Elections. Given the benefits, Maricopa County will offer secure and convenient in-person Vote
Centers during early voting, emergency voting, and on Election Day again in 2026.
•
Early Voting provided by the Recorder’s Office (Open Monday-Friday, including some
evening hours)
•
Emergency Voting (Open Saturday, July 18; and Monday July 20) before Election Day
•
Election Day (Open 6am – 7pm)
Maricopa County will use a phased approach to open 237 Vote Centers by Election Day for the
Primary and between 250 – 260 Voting Centers on Election Day for the General Election. The
phased opening approach increases reliability of in-person voting operations and significantly
expands a voter’s access to participate in the Primary and General elections. Vote Centers will be
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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available during business hours, in the evenings, and on Saturday during emergency voting. Hours
of operation for Vote Centers may vary. A final list of Vote Centers and hours of operations will be
published at Locations.Maricopa.Vote approximately 45 days before the election. The phased
opening schedule and the approximate amount of geographically dispersed Vote Centers are listed
in the table below.
July 2026 Primary Election Vote Center Schedule
Vote Center Opening Phases
Primary Election Opening Dates
Phase 1: Open Approximately 15 Vote Centers (28 Day Sites) on:
June 24
Phase 2: Open ~25 additional Vote Centers (12-day sites) on:
July 10
Phase 3: Open ~87 additional Vote Centers (4&2-day sites) on:
July 17 – July 20
Phase 4: Open 109 additional Vote Centers (1 -day sites) on:
July 21
Total Election Day Vote Centers
237
November 2026 General Election Vote Center Schedule
Vote Center Opening Phases
General Election Opening Dates
Phase 1: Open Approximately 15 Vote Centers (28 Day Sites) on:
October 7
Phase 2: Open ~25 additional Vote Centers (12-day sites) on:
October 23
Phase 3: Open ~95 additional Vote Centers (4 -2-day sites) on:
Oct. 31 – Nov. 2
Phase 4: Open 120 - 125 additional Vote Centers (1 -day sites) on:
November 3
Total Election Day Vote Centers
250-260
Regionally Dispersed Voting Locations
Vote Centers will be placed throughout the county, including in rural communities (e.g., Aguila,
Gila Bend, Kaka Village), along public transportation (e.g., Light rail, bus routes), and high
frequency transportation corridors. This ensures voters in all areas of the county are offered an in-
person voting option.
To ensure adequate coverage of voting locations in higher population density regions of Maricopa
County, we use historical turnout and heat maps that show where in-person voters are likely to
vote. The image on the next page is an example of one of the heat maps that uses 2022 and 2024
in-person voting election data. It includes every currently registered voter that has voted in-person
during any of the primary or general elections occurring since 2022. It also includes all newly
registered voters since 2024 and that have not signed up for the Active Early Voting List. We use
the data to ensure we have enough voting locations in these areas.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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2026 General Election Heat Map
For the 2026 Primary and General Elections, a Gubernatorial election year, we plan to use a similar
number of check-in stations per location to what was used 2024, a Presidential election year. For
2026, each voting location will have 8-12 SiteBook check-in stations totaling more than 2,480
check-in stations across the county.
We evaluate voting locations to ensure they meet ADA requirements and can serve voters with a
disability. We also offer curbside voting at all locations should these voters choose to vote from
their vehicle. All locations are equipped with an accessible voting device that can serve voters with
vision, hearing, and movement disabilities (See Section 6.2 – page 31 for more details).
2.7 - Wait Times
To effectively plan for the 2026 Primary and General elections, Maricopa County developed a series
of models to forecast how many potential voters are likely to turn out by voting early or on Election
Day. We used this forecast to determine the number 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 and to ensure the processing and tabulation of early ballots is efficient and
secure.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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Historic population growth, recent elections, and increased interest in the election process point
to the potential for near historic voter turnout in the 2026 election cycle. In primary and general
elections between 2020 and 2024, voter turnout was at or near all-time highs.
-
2020 Primary Election Turnout – 35.4% (highest since 1990)
-
2020 General Election Turnout (Presidential Election) – 80.5% (highest since 1980)
-
2022 Primary Election Turnout – 35.04% (2nd highest since 1990)
-
2022 General Election Turnout (Gubernatorial Election) – 64.2% (2nd highest since 1970)
-
2024 Primary Election Turnout – 30.57% (10th highest since 1970)
-
2024 General Election Turnout (Presidential Election) – 80.34% (3rd highest since 1970)
For 2026, our high-end forecast model estimates that the July Primary Election could have over
910,000 voters participate with a turnout surpassing 35%. For the November General, our high-end
turnout models show that we could have nearly 1.7 million voters participate with a turnout over
64.5%.
2.7.1 - Wait-Time Remediation
For the Primary and General elections, we are implementing a systematic process to monitor wait-
times and respond accordingly. We have programmed our SiteBooks to calculate wait-times based
on the number 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 train our Poll Workers to
count voters in line and report this information on SiteBook every 15 minutes. The information is
logged and monitored by Maricopa County Elections’ Command Center and Trouble Shooter
hotline. This information also immediately populates on the Elections’ website. Through this
system, Maricopa County Elections and voters will have access to real time information about
voter wait-times.
If wait-times exceed 30 minutes, Inspectors or Trouble Shooters will work with staff to assess the
cause of the issue or bottle neck. Depending on that assessment, additional resources can be
deployed to provide technical assistance.
Maricopa County Elections uses the Locations.Maricopa.Vote webpage to report wait-times in
real-time. Voters can sort locations by shortest to longest wait-times. Poll workers report wait-
times every 15 minutes to ensure voters have accurate and updated wait-times when selecting
their vote center. We have designed the page to be mobile friendly and provide voters with a quick
way to find a voting location near them, as well as search for locations open on the weekends and
much more.
2.7.2 - 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.
2.7.3 - Wait-time Simulations
To determine if we have established enough vote centers, check-in stations, and voting booths, we
run wait-time simulations to project wait-times. To simulate and calculate projected wait-times,
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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we create a sand box (physical mock-up of a voting location) and gather data inputs gathered from
turnout models, the number of phased-in vote centers, the regionally dispersed voting locations,
heat map analysis, check-in process, time-to-vote a ballot analysis, poll worker training, and
command center response efforts. We create different variations of the Vote Center to determine
optimal voter flow. Using this information, we generate simulations on expected waiting times.
These estimates are summarized in the tables on the next page.
July Primary Election Estimated Wait-Times Based on Highest Turnout Projections
Time of Day
Average Wait-Time
Longest Wait-Time
6AM - 6:30AM
Less than 1 Minute
4 Minutes
12:00 (NOON)
Less than 1 Minute
Less than 1 Minute
4:30PM
Less than 1 Minute
Less than 1 Minute
6:30PM
Less than 1 Minute
Less than 1 Minute
7:00PM
Less than 1 Minute
Less than 1 Minute
Wait-Time Simulation Inputs are based on the highest estimated Election Day turnout. For planning
purposes, we base our planning efforts on meeting the highest turnout.
July Election Simulation Inputs: In-Person Voters: 162,986 (including 3,363 provisional voters) / Vote
Centers: 235/ Check-in Stations: 8 / Voting Booths: 30 / Time to Vote Ballot 5.4 Minutes / Time to Check-in:
2.5 Minutes. Even though Vote Center cancelations are rare, the simulation included 235 Vote Centers
instead of the anticipated 237 Vote Centers.
November Election Estimated Wait-Times (Based on Highest Turnout Projections)
Time of Day
Average Wait-Time
Longest Wait-Time
6AM - 6:30AM
2 Minutes
8 Minutes
4:30PM
3 Minutes
7 Minutes
6:30PM
1 Minutes
13 Minutes
7:00PM
1 Minutes
2 Minutes
Wait-Time Simulation Inputs are based on the highest estimated Election Day turnout. For planning
purposes, we base our planning efforts on meeting the highest turnout.
November Election Simulation Inputs: In-Person Voters: 325,822 (including 10,142 provisional voters) /
Vote Centers: 255 / Check-in Stations: 8 / Voting Booths: 30 / Time to Vote Ballot 13.4 Minutes / Time to
Check-in: 2.5 Minutes. Even though Vote Center cancelations are rare, the simulation included 255 Vote
Centers.
2.7.4 - Check-in Process
Maricopa County Elections will use SiteBooks to check-in voters at all voting locations. SiteBooks
are Maricopa County’s voter check-in system and built in-house. The award-winning technology
provides voters and Poll Workers with enhanced functionality to the electronic poll book
referenced in state statute.
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The SiteBooks were first introduced in the November 2017 jurisdictional elections. Prior to 2016,
Poll Workers used paper check-in rosters, a manual process that slowed check-in times and were
much less reliable. 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 a secure, enhanced and streamlined voter
experience. Check-in speeds from recent elections average between 120-150 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 and eligibility, which ensures the correct
ballot is issued. With a barcode scan of an ID or by entering the voter’s name, voters check-in and
provide proof of identity to a trained Poll Worker before a ballot is printed. For the statutory 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
identification5.
2.7.5 - Time Needed to Vote a Ballot
The length of the ballot or a limited number of voting booths can also 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 Primary Election, we estimate that the average
ballot will have 18 contests on the ballot. Using this data, we anticipate that it will take between
3.4 – 5.4 minutes on average for each voter to complete their ballot. Based on these time estimates
and the amount of time we have calculated to check-in, we can determine how many check-in
stations and voting booths are needed to eliminate bottlenecks in our Vote Centers.
For the General Election, we estimate that the average ballot will have 80 contests on the ballot.
Using this data, we anticipate that it will take between 9.4 – 13.4 minutes on average for each voter
to complete their ballot. Based on these time estimates and the amount of time we have
calculated to check-in, we can determine how many check-in stations and voting booths are
needed to eliminate bottlenecks in our Vote Centers.
We’ve established the following voting location guidelines for the room size of a voting location and
the number of check-in stations and voting booths to accommodate voters and minimize wait-
times.
•
800-2,000 square foot location: 4 - 8 SiteBooks Check-in Stations /20 - 35 Voting Booths
•
2,000-3,000 square foot location: 12 SiteBooks Check-in Stations / 35 - 40 Voting Booths
2.7.6 - Provisional Ballots
Maricopa County Elections will work to reduce the number of voters required to vote a provisional
ballot in three ways:
1. We introduced premium poll worker training and plan to have a Certified Premium Trained
Inspector at nearly every Vote Center across Maricopa County. The training covered topics
that are likely to create issues within a voting location, including common scenarios that
cause a provisional ballot to be issued.
5 (A.R.S. § 16-579 – Procedure for obtaining ballot by elector)
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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2. We are implementing a Vote Center model equipped with ballot-on-demand technology
and SiteBook check-in stations to serve as “vote anywhere” locations. This voting model
and technology eliminates provisional ballots issued for out-of-precinct voters. The
SiteBooks also allow voters to update their address and make name changes during check-
in, eliminating provisional ballots to be issued for voters that changed their name or
address after the voter registration deadline.
3. Lastly, the County is investing in a robust communications strategy that will include paid
media and earned media. Communications will be designed to inform voters how to
register to vote, who is eligible to vote, and how to find election deadlines and Vote
Centers.
2.8 - Poll Worker Training
As described in the Training Plan (Section 5, page 24), Maricopa County Elections 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 in-person training
options where inspectors, judges, marshals, and clerks can practice using the voting equipment
and learn about election laws and their job responsibilities. The in-person training sessions will
ensure that Poll Workers are prepared. In addition, a training manual that covers the duties of each
role and the nuances and equipment procedures are provided for every election. The manual will
be available on the Maricopa County Elections’ website (Training.Maricopa.Vote) 45 days before
each election.
2.8.1 - Poll Worker Staffing Contingencies
We are hiring additional Poll Workers per site for a total of up to 13 Poll Workers at each location.
These additional Poll Workers will allow for coverage during the early voting period should we
encounter absenteeism. The sites could experience 20-30% absenteeism from Poll Workers and
contingencies will provide in-person voting options without interruption.
2.8.2 - Command Center Hotline and Equipment Support
We have a command center hotline staffed with subject matter experts that are available to answer
Poll Worker questions and dispatch Troubleshooters as needed. Each call for service is
documented in an Election Reporting System. These service requests are reviewed by the training
team and are used to develop future training curriculum.
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3.0 – Communications Plan
1. All Maricopa County voters can have confidence when they vote.
2. The county is committed to communicating with clarity and transparency.
3. Community education and engagement serve an important role in raising confidence when
casting a ballot.
Transparency in government operations is critical to ensuring there is public trust in how elections
are administered. In 2026, Maricopa County will focus on informing voters how to vote and
increasing their confidence in the election system. The County Elections Department will execute a
strategic communications plan to inform the public about key election dates and demonstrate how
Maricopa County is executing safe, reliable, and accurate elections. Key communication tactics
include:
•
Paid Advertising
•
Community Engagement and Education
•
Earned Media
•
Crisis Communication Planning
•
Online Resources and Maricopa.Vote
3.1 – Paid Advertising Campaign: Vote Confidently
Maricopa County will develop and deploy a strategic paid advertising campaign for the Primary and
General Elections. It will be focused on delivering timely information to voters about when and how
to participate while also increasing confidence by helping voters understand election processes
and safeguards. Ad messages will be built on the themes of accuracy, transparency, and
trustworthiness.
The paid media plan will focus on awareness tactics that allow optimal storytelling through visual
and audio media, including broadcast TV, connected TV, radio, streaming platforms, and social
media. The campaign will be delivered in English and Spanish.
3.1.1 - Campaign Messaging Strategy
The 2026 message for residents, eligible voters, journalists, and others is that you can vote with
confidence in Maricopa County. Themes include:
•
Understanding the Process: Highlighting key components of how elections are
administered.
•
Voter Education: Share key election dates, how to vote in-person or by mail, and ensure
voters are informed about ballot tabulation and reporting results.
Communications across all platforms will inform voters of important election deadlines and
provide information about how to cast a ballot in-person or request a ballot in the mail. The
campaign messaging strategy will also provide the public with information about ballot tabulation,
voting in person, and the multiple layers of oversight that ensure election integrity. Some key
messages include:
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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•
Learn about key deadlines for voter registration.
•
Find information about voting locations and times for early voting and Election Day.
•
Register to vote, ensure voter information is correct, and get involved at Maricopa.Vote
•
Provide timeline expectations for election results.
3.2 – Community Engagement and Education
Raising awareness about election administration will be delivered through a Vote Confidently
advertising campaign, tours of MCTEC, and community events and presentations.
•
Tours of MCTEC: When there is not an active election taking place, the team will continue
to promote and offer tours of MCTEC to groups and individuals. “Tour Tuesdays” offers the
opportunity for a guided 90-minute tour of MCTEC and efforts to host large group tours on
other days will be accommodated.
•
Community Outreach: The Elections Outreach Team will continue to ensure election
information is available to the community by attending community events and providing
presentations to groups of individuals.
•
Student Election Program: Provide civic education and opportunities for students to serve
as election clerks.
•
Newsletters: The monthly Just the Facts newsletter informs subscribers about election
facts, upcoming election dates and deadlines, event information and more. In addition, the
County’s external newsletter will highlight key election messages to a broader community
of subscribers throughout the election season.
•
Social Media: Social media allows the County to communicate directly with Maricopa
County voters about their voting options and enables staff to quickly respond to changing
narratives and misinformation. Through the @MaricopaVote Facebook, Instagram,
YouTube, and X/Twitter, accounts, and amplified by Maricopa County social media
channels, messaging will be shared with voters throughout the election cycle and
responsive to voter questions. Partnering with community agencies and county party
organizations will also amplify accurate and timely information.
•
Maricopa Votes Animated Series: This engaging tool will highlight topics such as how
results are reported and released, what activities are allowed at a vote center, tabulation
security, and new options for voters on Election Day.
•
Just the Facts Blog: Communication staff will update a blog located on the Elections
Department website that will provide information about daily activities taking place at
MCTEC, address misinformation, and provide a location for media to get up-to-date
numbers.
3.2.1 – Constituent Services – ElectionsInfo@Maricopa.gov
Maricopa County Elections will respond to voter questions in a timely and transparent manner.
Team members will collaborate with communications staff, department leadership, and county
management to quickly respond to email inquiries during the election period. English and Spanish-
speaking professionals will provide answers to questions related to in-person voting, Vote Centers
and Drop Boxes, how to become an elections worker, ballot tabulation and results, and other
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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election-related topics. This team will work closely with the Recorder’s Constituent Services team
and the STAR Call Center to direct inquiries to the appropriate subject-matter expert.
3.3 - Media Outreach
The earned media and voter outreach strategy will amplify the message to Vote Confidently.
Methods in English and Spanish will include:
•
Earned Media Interviews: The team will provide interviews about key election functions,
offer subject matter experts, and assist with coordination of interviews, b-roll, photos, and
live shots at the tabulation center.
•
Press Releases: Press releases will be distributed to media regarding election deadlines
including voter registration, mail-in ballot requests, mail-in ballot deadlines, voting
locations and dates, Election Day information, and post-election information about
election results.
•
Press Conferences: County and Election leadership staff will host press conferences to
highlight statute or process changes impacting voters, provide statistics, and brief the
media on timely election information.
•
Media Bootcamp: Election Department staff will host reporters at MCTEC for a tour and
presentation about election administration.
•
Toolkits: Toolkits for the Primary and General elections will be created in English and
Spanish for jurisdictional partners, county agencies, community partners, and the media. It
will include an FAQ, election calendars, social media graphics, and more.
•
Outreach to Government Public Information Officers (PIO): Provide training and
presentations for PIOs working in government agencies to educate community
spokespeople about elections.
3.3.1 - Communications Command Center
Throughout the election cycle, Maricopa County Elections will staff a communications command
center to respond to the media and public quickly and accurately. Staff in the center will interact
with voters and members of the public via social media and engage with journalists.
3.4 – Maricopa.Vote | Maricopa.Voto
Maricopa County strives to streamline the process for voters to make choices when it comes to
how and when they want to vote. Maricopa.Vote and Maricopa.Voto is a one-stop shop for anyone
seeking information about elections in Maricopa County.
There is an abundance of information available online about election administration in Maricopa
County through a user-friendly URL: Maricopa.Vote
•
Voter Dashboard: BeBallotReady.Vote
•
Election Results: Results.Maricopa.Vote
•
Vote Center Locations, Hours of Operation, Wait Times, etc.: Locations.Maricopa.Vote
•
News Releases: News.Maricopa.Vote
•
How Maricopa County Counts Ballots: CountingBallots.Maricopa.Vote
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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•
Informative Videos about Elections in Maricopa County: ElectionVideos.Maricopa.Vote
•
Facts and Myths about Maricopa County Elections: JustTheFacts.Vote
•
Election Calendar: Calendar.Maricopa.Vote
•
Information about ID: GetID.Maricopa.Vote
•
Election Results: Results.Maricopa.Vote
•
Counting Ballots: CountingBallots.Maricopa.Vote
3.5 - Crisis Communications Strategy
In the event of an emergency or other crisis during the election cycle, effective and timely
communication will help to ensure voting integrity, public safety, and the credibility of Maricopa
County Elections. For this plan, a crisis is defined as a significant event or incident that disrupts – or
has the potential to disrupt – voting, ballot processing, or tabulation.
All messages will include accurate and detailed information about the situation and what actions
the County is taking to address the issue. The media also aids in the dissemination of the crisis
communication message. The Election Director is responsible for notifying the Board of
Supervisors, and the appropriate members of the county’s senior leadership team of the status of
the incident and providing 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 address rumors, maintain trust, and ensure public safety. A Crisis Communications Team
will convene as quickly as possible. Depending on the urgency and severity of the incident or event,
team members may include:
•
Members of the Elections Department and County Leadership Team
•
Chief of Staff for the Chair of the Board of Supervisors
•
Communication Staff
•
Chair of the Board of Supervisors (as needed)
•
Law Enforcement Officials (as needed)
•
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
•
Others may participate based on the specific incident
The Crisis Communication Team will implement some or all the steps outlined below, depending
on the circumstances, in coordination with 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 during the election cycle, final
approval of all communications rests with the crisis communication team.
Determine an 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.
Notify Key Audiences – The Crisis Communications Team will decide which groups need to be
informed first. Audiences could include:
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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o Voters
o Poll Workers
o Maricopa County Elections Department Staff
o News Media
o Jurisdictions
o Arizona Secretary of State
o Political Parties
o Candidates or Campaigns
o Arizona Attorney General
o Maricopa County Sheriff and other state and local police
o Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center
o Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management
o F.B.I.
o U.S. Department of Homeland Security
o U.S. Attorney’s Office
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.
Develop 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 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.
Inform the STAR Call Center and Recorder Constituent Services Staff – Once information is
known and verified, the Crisis Communications Team will share messaging details and fact sheets
with STAR Center leadership and election staff that support email and social media
communication.
Alert 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 MCTEC or the County Administration Building for media
briefings or within a designated location that is not in view of an official voting location.
Communication with the media will occur as frequently as the Elections Department verifies new
information.
Monitor 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.
Approval of outgoing information – Typically, communications are developed in collaboration
with key personnel. However, we recognize the need for decisive decision-making during a crisis to
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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enable rapid, accurate communication. It will be determined on a case-by-case scenario how to
involve the appropriate members of the Crisis Communications Team.
Utilize Maricopa.Vote: Use banner functions on the Elections Department website to quickly and
efficiently inform visitors to the site of critical information.
3.6 – Key Stakeholders
The primary audience for the communications plan is Maricopa County residents and eligible
voters. Additional stakeholders include:
•
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
•
Maricopa County Elections and Recorder’s Office Staff
•
County Management
•
Temporary staff (Poll Workers, Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Workers)
•
Maricopa County Jurisdictions (city/town clerks, school/fire districts)
•
Vote Center Facility Owners and Operators
•
Political Parties
•
Election-focused Community Groups
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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4.0 – Staffing Plan
Maricopa County Elections' partnership with the Maricopa County community is vital to our
success in facilitating elections. These temporary workers (e.g., Poll Workers and central boards)
are the face of Maricopa County Elections for voters, and voters expect election services to be
secure and efficient. Our process begins with recruiting sufficient staff for polling locations and
hiring temporary workers to support early voting activities, warehouse operations, tabulation and
equipment management, training, and recruitment initiatives. These workers must possess the
right mix of skills, while also ensuring balanced political party representation. 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 2026 July Primary and November General elections includes
strategies, constraints, and methods to recruit:
•
Over 3,500 Poll Workers to staff Vote Centers for early voting, emergency voting, and
Election Day
•
600 – 800 Central Board Workers to staff election boards (e.g., Pre-Tabulation, duplication
boards) and temporary workers to staff election boards and other support operations (e.g.,
early vote processing, duplication boards, delivery drivers, Vote Center set up teams and
warehouse staff)
•
Over 600 permanent county staff to support election operations by working at Vote
Centers, ballot drop-off locations, receiving centers, supporting setup operations, and
providing Election Night support in the warehouse as well as counting early ballots dropped
off at voting locations.
4.1 – Staffing Approach and Strategy
The staffing strategy for the 2026 elections considers the hiring landscape with near record low
unemployment and increasing inflation levels. The Recruitment team faces challenges in hiring a
qualified and capable workforce needed to support a successful election and ensure bipartisan
representation is involved in every aspect of administering election processes. Below are some of
the ways we are pivoting to overcome these challenges.
•
Providing a pathway for Poll Workers that have worked in prior elections to come back in
support of the 2026 Primary Election
•
Revamping Maricopa County Elections GetInvolved.Maricopa.Vote webpage to inform the
public of all temporary employment opportunities while also providing an easy way for
potential temporary employees to submit their interest in working elections directly to
recruitment staff
•
Using paid media, earned media, events, and community partnerships (e.g., County
political parties, Clean Elections, Secretary of State) to drive interested parties to the
Maricopa County Elections GetInvolved.Maricopa.Vote webpage and dedicated
recruitment email inbox
•
Increasing the number of Poll Workers at voting locations to proactively address turnover
that may occur and to ensure coverage in larger spaces
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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•
Providing a pathway for temporary employees and Poll Workers who serve in the July
Primary to work in the November General Election.
•
Ideally, temporary workers are hired to work both elections.
Maricopa County Elections will work to hire 18 additional Temporary Recruiters to augment the
Recruitment team. Six temporary recruiters will support the recruitment efforts of temporary
workers at the Central Tabulation Center. Twelve additional temporary recruiters will support the
full-time recruitment staff with recruiting
Recruiters will rely on a variety of resources to obtain the necessary number of workers for the 2026
elections. These resources include prior poll workers, political party referrals, partnership with the
State of Arizona agencies, outreach campaigns to the community and County employees, support
from three staffing firms, both online and in-person job board advertising, community partnerships,
workforce programs, and recruitment fairs (online and in-person).
We will also work with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office to recruit staff to work as Poll Workers
for two-day sites. The Recruitment Team 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 Central
Tabulation Center will be processed for background checks for new hires or rehires with Maricopa
County Elections.
4.2 – Statutory Requirements Pursuant to Staffing
A.R.S. § 16-531 specifies a requirement to 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 Vote Center, 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.”
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.” See table on the next page for the Primary Election hiring needs by
position. The General Election hiring needs will be determined post the Primary Election. A
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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separate addendum to this document with the General Election hiring plan will be published in
early September 2026.
4.4 – Staffing Contingencies and Workload Balancing
Given how important these temporary workers are to ongoing operations, we’re deploying
contingency recruiting strategies in the event that some Poll Workers and temporary staff cannot
perform their role or duty. We plan to hire 13-15 Poll Workers per site to ensure we have sufficient
Poll Workers to staff the Vote Center. This staffing model also allows us to overcome an
absenteeism rate of 30-40%. We also work with the County and Elections budget departments to
2026 Primary Election Hiring
Role
Total
Pay Per Hour
Temporary Recruiters
12
$21.00
Temporary Recruitment & Onboarding Specialists
6
$23.00
Temporary Training Coordinators
2
$23.00
Temporary Trainers
8
$23.00
Poll Worker - Inspectors
236
$16.75
Poll Worker - Judges
470
$15.15
Poll Worker - Voter Registration Clerks
233
$15.15
Poll Woker - Marshals
236
$15.15
Poll Worker - Clerks
1742
$15.15
Poll Worker - Troubleshooters
71
$17.00
Temporary Pre-Tabulation Ballot Processors I
56
$18.00
Temporary Pre-Tabulation Ballot Processors II
4
$18.50
Temporary Pre-Tabulation Room Attendants II
2
$18.50
Temporary Mail Clerks
10
$18.00
Temporary Mail Couriers
1
$18.50
Temporary BTC Adjudication Clerks
52
$18.00
Temporary BTC Tabulator/Operators
8
$18.00
Temporary BTC Inspector
6
$18.00
Temporary BTC Floaters
8
$18.00
Temporary Election Services Assistant
1
$18.00
Temporary Ballot Couriers
30
$18.50
Temporary Warehouse Drivers
58
$20.00
Temporary T-Techs
82
$20.00
Temporary Hotline Reps
22
$18.00
County Employee Support (Election Night)
659
Varies
Total
4015
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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create extra positions that can be used to immediately back-fill a vacated position, while
offboarding paperwork is completed.
4.5 – Temporary Staffing Job Responsibilities
Job Title
Responsibilities
Temporary Pre-
Tabulation 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.
Temporary Mail Clerk
The Mail Room Clerk is responsible for securely transporting, organizing, and
delivering election mail. Clerks must be able to handle high volumes of time-
sensitive tasks with attention to detail. Additional duties include operating semi-
automated machinery.
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 prior to ballot processing.
Temporary
Adjudication/
Duplication Clerk
Adjudication/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 an electronic adjudication or manual duplication
process, these bipartisan teams ensure that the voter’s clear intent is reflected on
the ballot which is tabulated.
Temporary Ballot
Tabulation Center (BTC)
Tabulator/Operator
The Ballot Tabulation Center Operator tabulates ballots using semi-automated
machinery, maintains records, and prepares ballots for storage. The ideal
candidate must be organized, attentive to detail and work well with others.
Temporary BTC
Inspector
The Ballot Tabulation Inspector oversees decisions made by bipartisan adjudication
teams. The BTC Inspector must be registered to vote as an Independent or be
unaffiliated to any party. Applicants must be attentive to detail and work well with
others.
Temporary Office
Assistant
The Temporary Office Assistant for the Candidate Services division will assist with
candidate filing for County candidates. This includes providing customer service,
checking in guests, and scheduling appointments. The Office Assistant will support
the candidate filing process by accepting paperwork, checking forms for
completion, and maintaining organized files of accepted forms.
Temporary Ballot
Couriers
The Elections Department uses 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 the Vote Center Inspector or
City/Town Clerk designee 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 Vote
Centers and receiving sites. Warehouse Drivers may also support other warehouse
functions such as checking equipment in and out, lifting and stacking inventory,
and general warehouse maintenance.
Temporary T-Tech
The T-Tech is responsible for the set-up of computer hardware and software
at voting locations. The T-Tech works closely with support staff to ensure
that all equipment is functioning properly and helps to troubleshoot issues.
Temporary Hotline Rep
Hotline Reps are staffed at the MCTEC 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.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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Job Title
Responsibilities
County Employee
Support
Maricopa County offers county employees civic duty leave and compensation to
support elections. This support includes working as poll workers at the Vote Center
and also providing truck drivers and Vote Center setup support. County employees
are also hired to assist on Election night with Vote Center closing procedures and
serving as election night receiving team members.
Maricopa County Elections 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 Human
Resources Liaisons, and County Payroll allows Elections to provide pay to Poll Workers in one lump
sum at the completion of an election. Temporary Employees/Central Board Workers are paid
through the County’s Workday system.
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 A2310. Mileage Reimbursement forms are submitted
to County payroll for processing of reimbursements to temporary employees.
County Employees and Civic Duty Leave
We will hire over 600 county employees from other County Departments, offering civic duty pay, to
support elections operations. They will work in the following areas: Vote Center Setup Workers, IT
Support, Ballot Drop-Off Site Managers, Receiving Site Managers, and Elections Night Warehouse
Support (Red Line/Blue Line /Green Line Workers), and Early Ballot Drop off counters to assist on
Election night at vote centers.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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5.0 – Training Plan
The Maricopa County Elections training plan for the 2026 Elections establishes the framework for
ensuring temporary staff (e.g., Poll Workers, Troubleshooters, MCTEC Temporary Workers) 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 Maricopa County Elections approach to providing
specialized training for the temporary workers that will support the 2026 Elections:
•
Approximately 3500 Poll Workers will staff 236 voting locations during the Primary and over
250 locations in the General Election to serve as Inspectors, Judges, Marshals, Voter
Registration Clerks, and Clerks.
•
Approximately 70 - 80 Troubleshooters will receive training from both the Poll Worker
curriculum as well as the curriculum identified by the Training Manager, focusing on more
complex issues related to voting equipment
•
Approximately 600 MCTEC Temporary Workers will receive training in classroom settings
and through hands-on learning opportunities delivered from division managers,
supervisors, and subject matter experts.
5.1 – Poll Worker Training Approach & Strategy
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 16-532, Maricopa County Elections “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 Poll Worker training plan for the Primary Election will be to provide training with these specific
objectives:
•
Establish a training curriculum
o Design training curriculum to deliver 60% of training online via learning
management system.
o Limit in-person training sessions to no more than 18 participants and two Trainers.
o Focus in-person training sessions on setup, use, and breakdown of Election
equipment procedures.
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 as prescribed
by A.R.S. Title 16, the Arizona Secretary of State Elections Procedures Manual, and
Maricopa County Elections policies and procedures.
•
Develop informative, consistent, and accessible training sessions to ensure temporary
workers have the information they need to perform their roles successfully and ample
opportunities to attend training.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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o
Training sessions will be held in Central Phoenix and surrounding communities in
the East, North, and West Valley.
o
Training will be offered over the course of six weeks, six days a week, two sessions a
day and will include weekend and evening options.
o
Additional training in the form of Inspector Workshops will be offered to Inspectors
to ensure they are aware of changes and prepared to lead a voting location.
5.2 – MCTEC Temporary Worker Training Approach & Strategy
Maricopa County Elections' MCTEC Temporary Worker training plan will consist of both in-person
classroom training, coupled with in-person hands-on training.
The Tabulation, Vote Center and Warehouse divisions establish division specific role-based
training curriculum. This includes:
o
Development and review of training manuals
o
Formal classroom presentations
o
Hands-on demonstrations
o
Hands-on software and equipment training
5.3 – Training Methodology
Temporary workers play a critical role in helping Maricopa County Elections meet the resource
needs required to conduct an election. We provide 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 who 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 volume of temporary staff who need training in a short
period of time. Specific methodologies and curriculum are described in further detail below.
5.3.2 – Poll Worker Training
Voters expect Maricopa County Elections to conduct elections with integrity and efficiency, but
they also expect to receive a high-level of customer service. A voter’s experience at a voting
location is directly correlated with the level of expertise and customer service exhibited by the Poll
Workers. For the Primary and General Elections, the Elections Department will hire and train
approximately 3,500 staff to work at approximately 237 - 260 Vote Centers.
Successfully working at a Vote Center requires a difficult mix of soft skills, like customer service
and de-escalation techniques, as well as technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Maricopa County Elections Trainers find unique ways to teach these skills in a format that is both
interesting and time efficient. State law requires specific Poll Workers to take training every time
they serve. While we must target required training topics, these repeat learners also receive
updates on changes to laws, procedures, and voting equipment. Maricopa County Elections 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 used up to and including Election
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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Day. “Just in time” training resources also include brief tutorial videos on specific, key activities
such as packing election equipment.
To continually improve the learning experience and increase knowledge retention, the Training
Team will require all Poll Workers to complete an interactive, web-based curriculum featuring
multiple lessons of study.
Each Poll Worker will complete an online assessment at the conclusion of their web-based
learning to ensure they meet the competencies required as a Poll Worker. A score of 80% or better
will be required for each Poll Worker to pass the course and be authorized to work at a voting
location. We will offer Poll Workers opportunities to retake the web-based training and
assessment to obtain a passing score.
We anticipate Poll Workers will spend approximately eight hours in learning sessions, between
online and in-person instruction, and strict attendance data will be kept ensuring all Poll Workers
have completed the required training. In-person sessions will be offered in three or more locations
around Maricopa County, with no more than 18 attendees in each session. The table below shows
the availability of hands-on instruction and the number of training sessions offered.
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. A high-level summary
of training topics covered in the training curriculum includes:
•
Review of Election Laws and Procedures including standard voting procedures, updates
to election laws and procedures, and issuance of ballot types/styles
•
Election Specific Training including an understanding of the contests on the ballot and
critical dates associated with registration, Early voting, mail-in balloting, Emergency Voting,
and Election Day
•
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,
preparation of official and unofficial envelope contents, and Election Night Drop Off
Procedures
•
Role-Specific Training including hands-on training setting up, using, and breaking down
Polling Equipment including BOD, Accessible Voting Device, Tabulator, SiteBook, and
Voting Booths
•
Customer Service Training including accessible/curbside voting procedures, assisting
differently abled voters, and teamwork strategies
•
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, Poll Worker and
voting location safety, and situational awareness techniques. This includes the use of the
Emergency Power Outage and New device
•
Troubleshooting including when and how to implement wait-time reduction, contacting a
Troubleshooter for technical support, and basic equipment support
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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•
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 envelope drop boxes, the provisional ballot process,
spoiling ballots, and delivery of voted ballots and Tabulator Memory (SD) Cards
•
Supplemental Training for Clerks and Marshals including using SiteBooks to report wait
times
•
Supplemental Training for Voter Registration Clerks including training designed 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
5.3.3 – Logistics and Warehouse and Technical Support Staff Training
In most cases, Maricopa County Elections 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.
T-Techs (Technical Troubleshooters) and Setup Team Members
Maricopa County Elections establishes set-up teams comprised of t-techs, grips, and auditors.
The team will work in coordination with Poll Workers to set up Vote Centers prior to opening. They
also provide technical response and support throughout the election cycle and may support
equipment security and retrieval activities at the close of Election Day. The set-up team members
will start one week prior to being scheduled to set up a voting location.
They spend this week in training, attending poll worker training, and participating in job-specific
training. Training begins with attending Maricopa County’s Driver Safety course. The Set-Up team
members also attend a classroom training session with their assigned Vote Center Lead
Technician. Topics covered include:
•
Job responsibilities and duties of each setup team member
•
Required setup paperwork and quality assurance checklists
•
Equipment overview
After being assigned to a setup team, the entire team will transition to a hands-on training course.
In the hands-on training, they will visit a mock Vote Center where the team will spend several days
practicing Vote Center setups and troubleshooting equipment issues, including routine service
calls such as ballot-on-demand toner changes, printer jams, and any other election
troubleshooting so that they may respond quickly to maintain a fully operational Vote Center.
Ballot Couriers
Maricopa County Elections uses Ballot Couriers to retrieve ballots from Ballot Drop Boxes and
securely deliver them to MCTEC for processing. Ballot Couriers perform their work as part of a
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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bipartisan team. The couriers must complete a ballot transport statement (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.
Couriers start one week prior to performing their role. During their first week, ballot couriers will
attend the classroom portion of safe truck operations that delivery drivers and setup teams attend.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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6.0 – Facilities and Logistics Plan
The Maricopa County Elections Facilities and Logistics Plan for the 2026 Primary and General
elections establishes a comprehensive framework to ensure Maricopa County voters have safe,
reliable, and accessible in-person voting options for Early Voting, Emergency Voting and on
Election Day.
Facilities and Logistics will offer in-person voting options at approximately 237 – 260 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 250 full-time and temporary logistics and warehouse staff are
hired and trained for the Primary and General elections. Logistics staff positions include
facility relations, ballot couriers, hotline call center, and troubleshooters. Warehouse staff
include drivers, inventory specialists, and general warehouse operational staff.
•
Providing approximately 10 – 20 Dropbox-Only locations within government facilities
throughout the County.
•
Acquiring, inspecting, setting up, and supporting Vote Centers
•
Preparing, packaging, securing, delivering, and recovering sufficient and fully functional
supplies, Personal Protective Equipment, voting materials, equipment, and technology to
ensure voting locations are prepared to serve voters
•
Providing full-service response solutions to Vote Center staff issues that may arise
throughout the election cycles.
6.1 - Facilities Management Approach and Strategy
Facilities planning begins approximately 12 months prior to the election and includes ongoing
communication with facilities owners and administrators to confirm availability, schedule updates
and assess site conditions. To promote a consistent and convenient voting experience, the County
seeks to utilize the same locations from election to election whenever feasible. However,
adjustments may be necessary due to factors such as facility availability, construction,
compliance requirements, or other operational needs.
As described in the Planning for the Election (Section 2, page 2), we determined that between 237
Vote Centers are needed for Primary and 250 – 260 Vote Centers are needed for the General
Election taking place in 2026. A final list will be published at Locations.Maricopa.Vote
approximately 45 days before each election. Tasks related to managing facilities include:
•
Establishing the layout and flow for each type of voting location
•
Performing inspections and ensuring locations comply with the Americans with Disabilities
Act
•
A five (5) page evaluation form is filled out by staff on site to ensure ADA compliance.
•
Transitioning from early voting and emergency voting to Election Day
•
Acquiring and contracting with voting facilities
•
Setting up facilities and supporting ongoing operations
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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6.1.1 - Command Center Hotline and Equipment Support
A command center hotline will be staffed with subject matter experts that are available to answer
Poll Worker questions and dispatch Troubleshooters as needed. Each call for service is
documented in an Election Reporting System (FreshService). These service requests are routed for
review by subject matter experts and are used to resolve issues and develop future training
curriculum.
Vote Centers are equipped with 2-3 high-speed ballot-on-demand printers, creating a much-
needed redundancy to prevent lines in the event one printer needs service or repair. If a piece of
equipment fails, Poll Workers, Trouble Shooters, and Technical Support Staff (T-Tech) are trained in
solutions to correct any issues that arise in the voting location. We have developed specific
SiteBook and printer procedures for checking in voters using an off-line mode if a cellular network
or the virtual private network connection to the voter registration database is lost. If a SiteBook
terminal becomes inoperable, a T-Tech will be dispatched with a replacement.
T-Techs and Troubleshooters are dispatched using an application the county downloads on
department issued cell phones. The application is a geospatial issue tracking system and field
service management system that deploys T-Techs and Troubleshooters to the closest voting
location that submitted a service ticket. This application ensures timely resolution of field service
requests and a dashboard displaying all deployments and worker locations is showcased in the
Command Center for real-time tracking and updates.
6.1.2 - Ballot Couriers
Maricopa County Elections uses Ballot Couriers to retrieve ballots from Ballot Drop Boxes and
securely deliver them to MCTEC for processing. Ballot Couriers perform their work as part of a
bipartisan team.
Couriers start one week prior to performing early ballot pickups from early voting centers. During
their first week, ballot couriers will attend the county sponsored Defensive Driving conducted by
RISK Management training. A mobile application will track Ballot Courier locations and is displayed
on a screen in the Command Center. This ensures all ballot transportation activities are observed
in real-time. The ballot couriers use an early ballot transport statement that documents chain of
custody requirements.
6.1.3 - Mail Delivery Pick-ups and Drop-offs
Maricopa County securely handles all ballot transports and uses chain of custody documentation
for all returned ballots at all stages. At regular intervals, a two-member bipartisan team comprised
of the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office and Elections Departement representatives picks up the
mail from a secure USPS location and delivers it in batches to Runbeck Election Services.
Upon delivery of the sealed early ballot affidavits, Runbeck conducts an inbound scan of the
affidavit envelope to capture a digital binary image of each voter’s signature from the packet and
places those images into an automated batch system for the Recorder’s Office staff to review.
After the initial inbound scan, Runbeck stores the unopened ballot packets at its facility in a
secure, water and fireproof vault, while the Recorder’s Office staff reviews the digital images of
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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voter affidavit signatures – thus eliminating the need to handle the actual physical ballot packet
multiple times. Once the Recorder’s Office completes the verification of affidavits, the two-person
team returns to Runbeck, picks up the completed trays and brings them back to MCTEC for Pre-
Tabulation Processing.
6.2 – Emergency and Election Day Voting Locations
In-person voters can vote at any of the geographically dispersed Vote Centers. All Election Day
sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The standard Vote Center model will consist of eight check-in stations with two ballot-on-demand
(BOD) printers and 30 voting booths. The flow of the Vote Centers will be established in a manner
that reduces unnecessary foot traffic and keeps voter flow fluid. If practical, this Vote Center layout
may be scaled up for larger venues with higher anticipated voter turnout. The layout diagram below
provides 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.
In some instances, we can 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.
The Elections Department complies with the following Federal and State laws 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
32
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
6.2.1 – Onsite Tabulation of Mail-in Ballots
A new state law goes into effect in 2026 that allows mail-in ballot voters to bring their mail-in ballot
to a voting location to check in and have that ballot bypass signature verification. During in -person
early and emergency voting, a voter will be able to check-in, provide identification, and drop that
ballot into a drop box. If a voter chooses this option, the affidavit envelope will not need to go to the
Recorder’s Office for signature verification but rather be delivered to the Elections Department Pre-
Tabulation processing boards to be prepared for central count tabulation.
On Election Day, the County will offer a similar option. However, each location will offer onsite
tabulators programed by the Elections Department specifically to accept early ballots. On Election
Day, if a voter chooses to bring in their mail-in ballot and provide ID, they will be able to tabulate
their ballot onsite at the voting location.
If a line forms outside the voting location, voters bringing in their mail-in ballot still have the option
to skip the line and drop their ballot off in a drop box inside the voting location. There will be one
line at each voting location for all voters that desire to check in, and either have a ballot printed or
to have their mail-in ballot tabulated on site. A single line will be offered to account for the
following situations:
•
Entrances and Side Walks: Many voting locations don’t have multiple entrances/exits and
the sidewalks are not wide enough to accommodate two lines while also allowing voters to
skip the line to drop off their mail-in ballot and for voters to exit the voting location after
voting.
•
Voting Location Space: Many voting locations are not large enough to expand the number
of check-in stations. By ensuring that all check-in stations are available for all voters, this
improves reliability in the event that one or two check-in stations become inoperable.
•
Voter Experience: To minimize voter confusion and frustration, all check-in stations will be
programmed to accommodate any type of voter check-in. Voters will use a single line,
which will eliminate the possibility of voters being in the incorrect line.
•
Website and Wait-Time Reporting. Most voters visiting the locations website are visiting
for the first time and would likely be unsure which reported wait-time corresponds with
which line.
6.3 - Transition between Election Phases
A smooth and seamless transition between Early Voting, Emergency Voting, and Election Day helps
minimize voter confusion and duplication of efforts. Maricopa County Elections will use the same
Vote Center facilities and equipment for Election Day as used during the Early and Emergency
Voting. The Elections Department will provide the Recorder’s Office with supplies and equipment
to offer Early Voting locations. The equipment will be programed, delivered, set up, and maintained
by the Elections Department through all phases of voting. During early voting, the Recorder’s
Office will have a t-tech auditor that will verify setup is performed correctly and the troubleshooting
calls are responded to appropriately. This will ensure that the equipment used during early voting
is ready for the Emergency and Election Day voting phases.
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6.4 - Facilities Acquisition & Timeline
We place emphasis on enhancing relationships with facility administrators and staff to build a
reliable inventory of ready-to-use facilities. Most facilities provide the division 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 approximately 9 months 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 180 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:
•
360 days: Maricopa County Elections completes a joint review with the Geographic
Information System (GIS) team to determine prior in-person voting trends.
•
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 2026
elections.
•
150-60 days: The Facility and Logistics division signs Facility Use Agreements with Vote
Centers, which include dates of service and confirmation signatures. Facility technicians
monitor 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.
During the complete election cycle, we conduct continuous monitoring of interactions with
facilities and staff work to resolve issues. At the end of the election cycle, lessons learned are
captured during an after-action review and recorded for future use.
6.5 - Drop Box Only Locations
The County will be opening approximately 10-20 secure drop box only locations where voters can drop off
their sealed early ballot affidavit without having to visit a Vote Center or their local mailbox. Drop box
locations are placed in municipal centers such as city halls, public libraries, and other secure public
buildings. There will be two outdoor drop boxes, both at County owned facilities. The first will be at the
Elections Department in Downtown Phoenix. The second will be at the Elections Department’s satellite
office in Mesa.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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The Elections Department and Recorder’s Office send bipartisan courier teams to visit the locations daily
during early voting to retrieve dropped off early ballot affidavits. The courier’s check-in with the city, town,
or facility representatives and work together to open the locked and sealed drop box. All actions taken by
the courier teams are documented on an early ballot transport statement.
6.6 - Voting Equipment Delivery & Logistics
Vote Center equipment delivery and set up begins up to 36 days prior to the start of the early voting
period. During their first week, warehouse drivers will attend the county sponsored Defensive
Driving conducted by the County’s Risk Management Department.
Delivery of Vote Center equipment is completed in a 26 ft. box truck which equals 1,600 cubic feet
of cargo space. Planning factor: 10x pallet positions’ 48”x 40”, and lift gate required. These trucks
are leased from carriers such as United Rental, Ryder, Penske, and Enterprise Fleet. The
Warehouse and Inventory team prepare Equipment Packages and Supply Kits for each Polling
Place/Vote Center. The Equipment Packages are made up of Site Books, Ballot on Demand
printers/laptops, ICXs/printers and Precinct Based Tabulators.
Set up teams will be comprised of warehouse drivers/workers, t-techs, and troubleshooters.
Warehouse drivers will deliver the equipment and supplies and perform the 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 SiteBooks, Ballot on Demand (BOD),and accessible
voting devices.
Set-ups are scheduled as early in the day as possible to address any problems that may arise and
set up crews are also encouraged to arrive ahead of the schedule. 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 if a failed
set up occurs.
6.7 - Equipment and Supply Buildout
Maricopa County Elections begins organizing Vote Center equipment packages 90-120 days prior
to deliveries. Vote Center preparation starts with SiteBook updates, BOD printer checks and
services which include performance testing, printer setting checks and ballot file uploads. BOD
test prints will confirm functionality and Quality Assurance checks are documented and provided
to executive leadership.
Yellow and green bags include all the critical technology peripherals needed to enable SiteBook
and BOD connectivity and communication, and they are assembled by 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.
Additional steps include the non-technical aspects, this includes the consumable stock needed at
each Vote Center such as blank ballot shells, envelopes, blank paper for receipts and the heavier
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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weighted 8 ½” x 11” paper for the accessible voting device. Cleaning kits are also assembled which
include all the necessary PPE and cleaning supplies required to operate and maintain a safe and
healthy environment for poll workers and voters. Temporary staff enter the workflow at this point
and assist with the packaging and preparing the general supply carts, voting booths, all barricades,
curbside signage, black box, tables, and all the stationary supplies, such as ballot marking pens.
6.8 - Election Day Facility and Operational Support
Hotline and troubleshooter temporary staff support critical functions as subject matter experts and
hired from a specialized pool of people with previous elections experience. They are already
familiar with the Election Reporting System (FreshService) and understand the urgent need for
quickly responding to problems that arise. Troubleshooters are issued kits with extra supplies and
a manual for reference during their shift. Troubleshooters act in a semi-supervisory capacity and
responsible for up to five Vote Centers. They serve as front line technical support and are a
resource to their team for procedural guidance.
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 Center and serve as a bridge
between the Poll Workers and the support staff.
Hotline staff are provided with a detailed reference manual and a desktop application that
replicates the user interface of the SiteBook check-in process so they can navigate and replicate
all possible scenarios. Staff are trained on how to answer the system phone lines and attend full in-
person poll worker training. Hotline staff are the primary operators of the FreshService ticketing
system and are responsible for reporting the following issues: technical, administrative, supply,
voter registration, procedural and other general issues that are beyond the capability of a Poll
Worker to resolve.
6.9 – Chain of Custody and Election Equipment Recovery
The Elections Department uses a robust set of systems to ensure equipment, materials, and
ballots are safely and securely transferred to and from the central counting facility, vote centers,
drop boxes, the U.S Post Office, the mail scanning/sorting vendor, and other locations. Chain of
custody procedures use a combination of bipartisan teams, secure containers, tamper evident
seals, and a warehouse management system. In 2026, the Elections Department upgraded its
tracking system to allow for real-time dashboards to monitor the progress of items being returned
and provide notices if an item is not returned as expected.
The post-election pickup schedule timeline begins the day after Election Day and ends the
following Tuesday after every election. The 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 their original state.
Following safety, the next priority is maintaining accountability of all equipment, with particular
emphasis on capital assets, which are labeled using color-coded asset tags. The next priority is the
immediate identification of deficiencies or damages that may have occurred during the election.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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Finally, all equipment is cleaned, recorded virtually in the warehouse management system and re-
inventoried according to assignment. Printers, laptops, voting equipment, and other electronic
components will be scheduled for service in accordance with manufacturer guidance. After
inspection and cleaning has been completed the warehouse team works in conjunction with the
County ETI to initiate repairs and conduct annual maintenance.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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7.0 – Tabulation and Central Count Plan
Maricopa County Election’s Tabulation plan for the 2026 Primary and General elections outlines
how we will process and count ballots. Key takeaways in the section below are:
•
The Tabulation Plan will ensure accurate and timely results
•
All equipment meets state and national certification and testing requirements
•
All central boards are bipartisan to assist with hand count audits, adjudication, duplication
and other tabulation activities
•
The Ballot Tabulation Center is secure and has passed multiple audits
7.1 – Tabulation Approach and Strategy
State statute allows five calendar days for the processing of provisional ballots and curing of
inconsistent signatures on early ballots (A.R.S. 16-550 and 16-584.D). For the Primary Election, our
goal is to have 100% of all valid ballots that did not need curing counted and reported by the end of
day on the Monday after the cure period ends on July 27, 2026.
For the General Election, our goal is to have 100% of all valid ballots that did not need curing
counted and reported by the end of day on the Thursday after the cure period ends on November
12, 2026.
Based on the Turnout Estimates in section 2.0, this is a breakdown of the volume of ballots to
tabulate.
Category
Primary Election
General Election
Early Ballots (Returned by mail
or at an Early Voting Site)
736,044 – 751,231
1,227,633 – 1,353,922
Election Day Ballots (In-
Person voters on Election Day
cast on an ICP2)
120,000 – 162,986
267,012 – 315,680
Emergency Voting and
Election Day Drop Offs (Early
ballots returned on the final
weekend or last day of the
Election)
186,000
307,000
As this is the first year, we will have on-site tabulation of early ballots available, we do not have a
historical basis for how many voters may take advantage of that option.
7.1.1 – Efficiency
For the 2026 Primary and General elections, ballots will be counted by on-site Vote Center
tabulators (ICP2) if voting in-person on Election Day, or by central count tabulators (High Speed –
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
38
HiPro 821 or Cannon G1130) if voting by mail, a provisional ballot, at an Early Vote or Emergency
Vote Center.
A new option available to voters on Election Day is to have their ID checked and tabulate their early
ballot that was sent by mail on site using a Vote Center tabulator (ICP2).
On-Site Vote Center Tabulation
On-site tabulation occurs on Election Day as voters insert their ballot into a tabulator at any Vote
Center. There will be a separate set of tabulators for voters casting an early ballot that was sent to
them by mail versus an Election Day ballot that was printed on site. This is to ensure that proper
accounting of the different type of check-ins can be completed and to comply with the requirement
in A.R.S § 16-579.01.
Maricopa County Elections post results from the on-site tabulators after 8 p.m. on Election Day as
the results are returned from each of the Vote Centers. Given the geographic size of the County, it
is standard for the final posting of ballots cast on Election Day to occur after midnight.
Central Count Based Tabulation
Our central count tabulators are capable of scanning and counting ballots much faster than our
Vote Center tabulators. We will use eight high-speed scanners (HiPro) and five central count
(Canon) tabulators for the Primary and General elections. Based on quantities achieved during
previous election cycles, an average of approximately 300,000 ballot pages can be counted per day
during an 8-hour shift. For a two-page ballot election, please be aware that 300,000 ballot pages is
equal to 150,000 voters.
Timeline
Based on turnout estimates and the projected speed of tabulation, if all ballots were received at
once, it would take between 2 - 3 days to count ballots for the Primary Election and 11 – 12 days for
the General Election. However, we typically do not receive all ballots at once, and voters tend to
return their ballots closer to Election Day with a large amount expected on Election Day.
The timeline below will allow adequate time to complete tabulation for all ballots, perform post
logic and accuracy testing, and submit required reports to the Board of Supervisors for the post-
election canvass within the statutory required timeframes (Primary Election – 13 Days / General
Election – 16 Days).
2026 PRIMARY ELECTION KEY DATES
Date
Description
~June 1 – 19, 2026
County Pre Logic and Accuracy Testing of all deployable and central
County Tabulation Equipment (political party appointees/observers
invited)
June 22, 2026
Secretary of State’s Office Logic and Accuracy Test
July 13, 2026
Start Tabulation, Adjudication, and Duplication for Primary Election
July 21, 2026
Election Day for Primary Election, Initial Results Posted at 8PM
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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July 22 – 27, 2026
Primary Election daily updates reported as needed
July 22, 2026
Hand Count Audit Draw (Hand Count on following weekend)
July 26, 2026
Deadline for Primary Election voters to cure signatures or conditional
provisional ballots
August 3, 2026
Deadline for Board Approval of Canvass
~August 4 – 11, 2026
Estimated time period if an automatic recount is trigged.
2026 GENERAL ELECTION KEY DATES
Date
Description
~Sep. 14 – Oct. 2,
2026
County Pre Logic and Accuracy Testing of all deployable and central
County Tabulation Equipment (political party appointees/observers
invited)
October 5, 2026
Secretary of State’s Office Logic and Accuracy Test
October 20, 2026
Start Tabulation, Adjudication, and Duplication for General Election
November 3, 2026
Election Day for General Election, Initial Results Posted at 8PM
~Nov. 4 – 13, 2026
Primary Election daily updates reported as needed
November 4, 2026
Hand Count Audit Draw (Hand Count on following weekend)
November 8, 2026
Deadline for Primary Election voters to cure signatures or conditional
provisional ballots
November 19, 2026
Deadline for Board Approval of Canvass
~Nov. 20 – Dec. 4,
2026
Estimated time period if an automatic recount is trigged.
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 by a
bipartisan 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.
Using adjudication rates from past election, we estimate that approximately 7 percent of ballot
pages will require adjudication. We are hiring sufficient adjudication staff to keep pace with
tabulation. For the General Election, that includes a night shift following Election Day.
2026 Primary and General Elections Plan
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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, credential management, network security, using paper
ballots, performing audits, hiring bipartisan 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 Primary and General
elections is certified by the Federal U. S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the State’s
Equipment Certification Advisory Committee, and the Secretary of State. (see A.R.S. §16-442).
Upon receipt and installation of certified software on the tabulation equipment, Maricopa County
Elections performed a hash code (i.e., digital fingerprint) verification test confirming the installed
firmware and software matched hash code values stored offsite with the EAC and the Arizona
Secretary of State’s Office.
Maricopa County Elections also performs a logic and accuracy test on all voting equipment prior to
each election. The pre-tests are open to in-person observation by representatives of the political
parties and online streaming for representatives of the candidates, the press, and the public. Since
this election involves a federal and state offices, the Secretary of State is also responsible for
conducting an additional logic and accuracy test on a selected sample of on-site tabulators and
accessible voting equipment, and all central count voting equipment (see A.R.S. § 16-449). The
Secretary of State’s and County’s public Logic and Accuracy tests are open to in-person
observation by representatives of the candidates, the political parties, the press, and the public at
the central counting facility or via live broadcasts from our website.
The logic and accuracy test uses a set of pre-marked test ballots with a predetermined set of
results to verify that all equipment and the election management system (EMS) is accurately
programed for the specific election. The logic and accuracy test includes four parts: Accessible
Equipment, Tabulation Equipment (central & on-site), Adjudication, and Election Management
System.
The accessible equipment (ICX) is tested to confirm it complies with all statutory requirements for
the given election and provides voters with a voting experience as similar as possible to voting a
standard ballot. Additionally, ballots will be produced from the accessible equipment to be used in
the tabulation equipment test.
The on-site tabulation equipment (ICP2) will be tested use pre-marked ballots, ballot-on-demand
(BOD) printed and hand marked ballots, and accessible ballots. Tabulators set up for early ballots
and election day ballots will both be tested and sealed.
For the Central Count Tabulation equipment (HiPro and Canon) the test deck will also include pre-
marked ballots, accessible ballots, and ballots created by the Remote Overseas Vote by Mail
program utilized by overseas and military voters. Several of the pre-marked ballots scanned will
have been purposely marked to trigger adjudication. Ballots will be sent to the adjudication
stations where two team members will follow the standard adjudication process.
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Following the conclusion of all other tests, reports are run to determine if votes attributed to
candidates in the election management system (EMS), are correct and accurately being counted,
summarized, and reported. The results from the test will be compared to the predetermined results
to confirm the success of the test.
The logic and accuracy tests are performed before (pre) and after (post) each election. This series
of tests confirms that the software, firmware, and specific election program was not altered during
the period between the pre and post logic and accuracy tests.
Physical Security and Credential Management
Maricopa County Elections has implemented a robust set of security controls for restricting access
to the tabulation system, managing credentials, and monitoring user access. Before any of the
County ballot tabulation staff enters the Ballot Tabulation Center to work at their assigned stations,
they must go through multiple security checks.
1. The Ballot Tabulation Center (BTC) is located within a secure building that requires
authorized badge access and is monitored by Maricopa County Security Services. Both
inside and outside, the building has 24/7 surveillance cameras also monitored by security
services. While ballots are onsite at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Elections Center
(MCTEC) the County has 24/7 physical security officers monitoring cameras, doors, and
performing employee badge checks.
2. Once in the building, higher level badge access is required for any door leading into the
BTC. This elevated badge access is only provided to designated staff with a business need
to enter. Badge access into the BTC and surveillance cameras are also monitored by
security services.
3. Along with the surveillance system cameras inside and outside MCTEC, the Elections
Department live streams all access points into the BTC on its website 24/7,
LiveVideo.Maricopa.Vote.
4. All central count tabulation equipment is within the BTC, which requires authorized,
elevated badge access to enter. Only those whose jobs or oversight that require them to be
in the BTC have this level of access. Within the BTC is another room that holds the EMS
servers. This is a glass room that only a few of the most senior election officials have this
access. The glass tabulation server room is also live streamed on the County’s website and
onsite security officers are monitoring who comes in and out of the server room.
5. All ports on on-site tabulators, central count tabulation equipment, and
adjudication/duplication stations are blocked and secured with tamper evident seals and
or serialized port blockers. In addition, the workstations for each central count scanner
and computer are contained within a locked security cage.
6. In addition, ballots are only tabulated when political party observers are present.
Tabulation staff and political party observers perform a reconciliation of total ballots
tabulated before and after each shift by comparing and confirming the totals on the
tabulator screens to the totals collected in the previous shift. This process independently
validates that ballots are only counted when political party appointees are observing the
process.
The tabulators (HiPro and Canon) in the Ballot Tabulation Center, used to tabulate all early ballots
require the following three forms of authentication to gain access to the tabulators and Image Cast
Central (ICC) program.
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1. Windows Login Authentication password
2. iButton Key Fob two-factor authentication (2FA)
3. The program ICC password
The EMS workstations running the Election Event Designer and used to create the official certified
results, also have more than one form of authentication for access. The EMS workstations use two
forms of authentication, Windows login and the project password to the EED (Election Event
Designer) to gain access. Prior to every election, the Elections Department changes the Election
Event Designer Project password, On-Site Tabulator Password, and the Image Cast Central
passwords. These frequently updated passwords are required to tabulate ballots, run reports, and
generate results.
Network Security
Air Gapped Network: Maricopa County Elections maintains an air-gapped network for the Election
Management System that prevents the tabulation system from connecting to the internet. In
February 2021, two sperate audits performed by independent certified Voting System Test
Laboratories confirmed that the County’s EMS air gapped network was not connected to the
internet. In July 2025, one of the independent certified Voting System Test Laboratories returned
and performed another audit confirming again that all equipment was running properly certified
software and that the equipment was not connected to the internet.
To demonstrate the design of the air gapped network, we’ve included a series of diagrams
evidenced by the air gapped network’s hard-wired lines which are visible through the glass
windows into Maricopa County’s Ballot Tabulation Center. The diagrams below also demonstrate
that the EMS network exists separately from the County’s network at large, including the servers
supporting webpages for Maricopa County’s Elections website.
(Left) A network diagram of the County’s
Election Management System air gapped
network design with no connections to the
internet. (Above) A network diagram of the
Recorder’s web servers, which shows a clear
separation between the website and the
tabulation equipment.
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Paper Ballots and Hand Count Audits
Maricopa County Elections retains the original paper ballots until the election is officially
canvassed. After the official canvass, ballots from the elections are stored according to statutory
and record retention requirements. The 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 equipment
creates a digital image of the ballot, Maricopa County Elections immediately secures and stores
the actual original paper ballots by batch after tabulation. The ballots are stored in multiple
batches of 1 – 400 ballot pages within each long-term and sealed storage box. This allows us to
quickly locate the physical ballots if there is a need to compare them with the digital copy.
In accordance with statute, we validate the accuracy of the tabulation system through a random
Hand Count Audit of 1% of early ballots and 2% of the ballots voted at a Vote Center (see A.R.S. §
16-602). 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 during tabulation. The boards compare their hand count results to the
amounts counted by the tabulations machines. Board members may not bring any electronic
devices or pens to their workspaces within the hand count room.
Bipartisan Boards and Observers
The ballot tabulation center will be staffed by a tabulation manager, tabulation team leads,
tabulation technicians, bipartisan Central Boards (e.g. adjudication, duplication), and political
party observers. The Election Department hires Central Boards, which are comprised of two
members of different political parties and an independent inspector, who are trained on their
duties before assuming their positions. Maricopa County Elections recruiting efforts include
requesting each party provide lists of nominees that will be considered for appointment to a
Central Board.
All people taking part in the 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 not taken the oath shall, under no
circumstances, be permitted to touch any ballot, computer, or counting device used in processing
or tabulating ballots.
7.2 – Reporting Results and Canvass
Maricopa County Elections is responsible for promptly transmitting election results to the
Secretary of State, prior to or immediately after making those results public. On Election Day,
results will be transmitted at 8 p.m., which will include all early ballots tabulated as of Election
Day. Election Day results returned from in-person voting location will be posted as results are
returned, which we estimate will occur from approximately 10 p.m. through 2 a.m. (the following
day).
Subsequent result posts that occur after Election Day will be accompanied by a press release that
describes the source/type of ballots included in the post, ballots left to count, and approximately
when the next post will occur.
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Maricopa County Elections will submit the Canvass to the Board for approval and will include the
following information (A.R.S. § 16-646(A)):
1. A Statement of Votes Cast, which includes:
a. The number of ballots cast in each Precinct in the county;
b. The number of ballots rejected in each Precinct 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 Precinct in the county;
2. A Cumulative Official Final Report, which includes:
a. The total number of precincts;
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 district
e. The number of votes for and against each ballot measure by district, including a
designation of which choice received the highest number of votes;
7.3 – Automatic Recounts
In September 2022, a new state law (SB1008) went into effect, increasing the likelihood of
automatic recounts after Primary and General elections. Arizona now requires there to be a
recount of most election contests in which the number of votes separating the two candidates with
the greatest number of votes (or the “yes” and “no” votes on a ballot measure) is less than or equal
to a one-half percent.
Prior to the passage of SB1008, recounts in Arizona were infrequent. However, since its passage
every statewide Primary and General has triggered a recount and the Elections Department builds
time into their timeline to ensure the recount is completed prior to other election deadlines.
Under current law (A.R.S. §§ 16-661, 16-663, 16-664), the recount is done using the electronic
tabulation equipment. There is also a required hand count audit of any recounts of legislative,
statewide, and federal contests. The hand count audit is conducted by representatives of the
county political parties under the oversight of the Elections Department. Elections Procedures
Manual (“EPM”), Ch. 11, at 221.
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8.0 - Risk Management and Contingency Plan
Maricopa County Election’s Risk Management and Contingency Plan for the 2026 Primary and
General elections establishes the procedures that will be followed in the event that a Vote Center
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 Maricopa County Elections 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 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 3.5, Page 16).
8.2 - Voting Locations
If a single or small number of voting location(s) experiences an emergency, Maricopa County
Elections communications staff will use social media, traditional media, and other means where
possible to advise voters of the emergency and the three closest Vote Center location until the
emergency is resolved. On Election Day, Maricopa County is providing 220 – 260 Vote Centers that
any voter can use if one location is unavailable.
In conjunction with local public safety authorities, an assessment will be made to determine the
operational status of vote location(s) by the Facilities Acquisition Division. If the Assistant Director
for Logistics finds that the emergency will significantly or permanently close the location and if
there is sufficient time, a new location will be found. The Facilities Acquisition Division will oversee
the posting of signs to provide public information regarding the newly added voting location. Signs
will be placed as near as possible to the evacuated location(s) alerting voters of the new 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 new locations will be communicated to the public.
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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 3.5, page 16).
If a location loses power, Maricopa Elections has backup generators, supplemental lighting, and
other emergency supplies that will be dispatched from the Supply Depots for quick response.
Maricopa County Elections 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.
8.2.1 - 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 Maricopa County Elections. Replacement
supplies and equipment will be dispatched from one of three Supply Depot locations across the
County.
Maricopa County Elections has addressed on-site contingencies with the use of multiple SiteBooks
and BOD printers. The number of BOD printers assigned to each voting location will range from two
to four depending on size of facility. Each site will also have four onsite tabulators. If other
equipment malfunctions, three Supply Depots across the county contain back-up equipment,
which Trouble Shooters and other technical support staff will deliver.
8.3 - Central Counting Center
In the event that the MCTEC facility is inoperable on Election Day due to a centralized emergency,
Maricopa County will relocate the Tabulation Center to an offsite undisclosed location. This
process includes delivering and securing tabulation equipment and materials. The County has
arranged with Dominion to provide necessary contingent equipment.
Based on the joint agreement to relocate the Tabulation Center location, Maricopa County
Elections’ employees assigned to work in election night activities will proceed to the relocation
site. Maricopa County will establish a personnel check-in area to account for all assigned workers.
Work assignments will be based on election night responsibilities and include ballot and supply
retrieval from voting locations, securing and unpacking materials, maintaining secure ballot and
tabulation storage, and reporting of unofficial elections results.
Early Ballot Processing, write-in and duplication boards will report to the offsite location. The
Recruitment & Training divisions 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.
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The Deputy Director of Elections will notify the Secretary of State (and the chairpersons of the
recognized political parties) if this tabulation contingency plan is invoked.
8.4 - Poll Worker Absences and Emergencies
The Division for Recruitment & Training is responsible for ensuring that an adequate number of Poll
Workers, including bilingual workers, are hired and trained to work on Election Day. In addition, we
are hiring 15 - 15 Poll Workers for each voting location. The hiring of extra Poll Workers will allow us
to overcome an absentee rate of 20-30%.
If a Poll Worker does not report for work, the Inspector is trained to call the Poll Worker hotline to
request Maricopa Elections 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.
8.5 - Provisions for Extending Voting Hours
In the case of a terrorist attack or natural or man-made disaster, the Elections Director 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. 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.
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9.0 – Primary and General Election Plan Costs
2026 Primary and General Election Budget (Fiscal Year 2026 & 2027)
Expenditure Description
Primary
General
Total
Staffing
Permanent Staff and Temporary Workers
$2,293,268
$3,647,683
Poll Workers
$2,331,566
$2,445,017
Staffing Total
$9,961,455
Supplies and Services
Printing/Mailing/Postage Cost of
Ballots/Publicity Pamphlets
$1,225,779
$3,888,641
Services: Advertising, Security, Tech
Services/Licensing, Other
$945,000
$1,465,320
Fuel, Temporary Parking Lots, Shuttle
Rentals, Vehicle Rentals
$714,464
$775,867
Vote Center Supplies, Consumables,
Telecom- radios, Other
Supplies & Services
$300,000
$360,000
Supplies and Services Total
$8,609,870
Total Budget (before Contingency)
$18,571,325
Contingency – Reprints, change cards, etc.
$600,000
$600,000
$1,200,000
FY 2026 ELE1 Primary Election Budget
$1,622,547
$1,622,547
FY2027 Primary and General Election Budget
$6,787,530
$12,983,795
$19,771,325
Total Primary and General Election Budget
$21,393,872