2024 MARCH PPE ELECTION PLAN_FINAL.PDF
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M a r i c o p a . V o t e
ELECTION
PLAN
2024
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE ELECTION
MARCH JURISDICTIONAL ELECTIONS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Infographic ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.0. 2024 March Presidential Preference Elections Plan ............................................................... 3
2.0 Forecasting Turnout and Wait-time Reduction Plan ................................................................ 9
3.0 Communications Plan ............................................................................................................. 17
4.0 Staffing Plan ............................................................................................................................ 23
5.0 Training Plan ........................................................................................................................... 30
6.0 Early Voting Plan .................................................................................................................... 36
7.0 Facilities and Logistics Plan .................................................................................................... 46
8.0 Tabulation and Central Count Plan ......................................................................................... 52
9.0 Risk Management and Contigency Plans ............................................................................... 59
10.0 2024 March Presidential Preference Election Plan Costs .................................................... 62
Appendix A (Training Topics by Roles)
…………………………………………………………………….63
VOTE CENTERS
VOTER INFORMATION
EARLY BALLOTS
ACTIVE
EARLY
VOTING
LIST
83%
PPE Voters
are on AEVL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2024 Elections Plan
March Presidential Preference and Jurisdictional Elections
The Maricopa County 2024 March Presidential Preference Election Plan outlines strategies, constraints,
and methods staff will use to prepare for the 2024 March Presidential Election, as well as the
administration of March jurisdictional elections in the cities of Tempe and Litchfield Park.
TRACK YOUR
BALLOT
Maricopa County will offer a “vote anywhere” election model to provide voters with
increased access and reliability. Voters can choose from various locations, days, an
d hours that are convenient for them to vote in person or drop off an early ballot.
TEXT JOIN
TO
628-683
GetInvoled.Maricopa.Vote
MULTIPLE WAYS TO VOTE
1,560 POLL
WORKERS
More than 400 temporary
employees to assist in
administration of election
100's of Maricopa County
Employees
Hybrid training
Locations.Maricopa.Vote
Results.Maricopa.Vote
Tabulation Security
Voters that need to make one-time early ballot
request or those who are out of town for th
e election can request an early ballot on our websit
e. Independent voters may also use this portal
to select a ballot type for that election.
Request.Maricopa.Vote
Maricopa County Elections is focused on educating voters and building trust in the
voting process. BeBallotReady.Vote provides voters with personalized election information. Voters can find myth busters at JustTheFacts.Vote.Maricopa County Elections is focused on educating voters and
building trust in the voting process. BeBallotReady.Vote provides voters with personalized election information. Voters can find myth busters at JustTheFacts.Vote.
BeBallotReady.Vote | JustTheFacts.Vote
Locations will open in phases at 27
days prior to election day, to 12 days
prior, 2 days prior, and Election day.
Voters may drop of early ballots at
any vote center, or drop box-only
locations.
Vote centers will be located less
than 2 miles apart on average and
are near bus routes & light rail.
Our website has searchable tools
for voters to find vote center hours
, wait times, and more!
By mail
In-Person
Drop Boxes
Military and
Overseas
Special
Elections Board
Restricted Access
Air-Gapped Network
Monitored 24/7
Chain of Custody
Tamper Evident Seals
Audit & Accuracy Tests
Bipartisan Boards & Observers
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1.0 – 2024 March Presidential Preference Election Plan
The Maricopa County 2024 March Presidential Preference Election Plan outlines the strategies, constraints,
and methods staff will use to prepare for the 2024 Presidential Preference Election (3/19/2024). Maricopa
County Elections will also administer jurisdictional elections for the cities of Tempe and Litchfield Park and
planning for these elections is included in this plan. 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
In May 2023, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (Board) partnered with the Maricopa County
Recorder (Recorder) by establishing a Shared Services Agreement. The purpose of this agreement was to
outline the responsibilities for administering elections in Maricopa County. The following chart outlines the
assigned election-related responsibilities.
Board of Supervisors
Recorder
•
Candidate Filing
•
Campaign Finance Reporting
•
Recruitment and Training of Poll
Workers
•
Recruitment of Central Boards
and Temporary Staff
•
Warehouse and Logistics
•
In-Person Voting: Early,
Emergency, and Election Day
Voting Operations
•
Ballot Preparation and Tabulation
•
Election Night Reporting and Post
Election Results
•
Post Election Hand Count and
Canvassing
•
Tabulation and Counting Center
Security
•
Voter Registration
•
Mail-in Voting
•
Signature Verification
•
Early Ballot Processing
•
Uniform and Overseas Citizens
Absentee Voting
•
Special Election Boards
•
IT Services and Website Support
1.2 – Planning for the Election
Maricopa County Elections began planning for the March 2024 Presidential Preference Election 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, equipment maintenance, supporting candidate filing, updating
early voting instructions, and drawing precinct maps. This phase also included robust stress testing of our
Ballot-on-Demand printers, which increased the types of testing (e.g., both sequential and intermittent
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printing types), paper weights (e.g., 80lb, 100lb), paper length (e.g., 14-inches through 22- inches) and
number of printers included in the stress test. The next planning and implementation phase began in
December, approximately 90 days before the election, and included mailing notices to Republican and
Democrat Active Early Voting List (AEVL) voters, beginning to accept early ballot requests, recruiting
temporary workers (poll workers, central boards, and other temporary staff), building supply kits,
programming voting equipment, designing the ballot, preparing to mail ballots to oversees and military
voters, building delivery routes, creating election specific training curriculum, implementing media and
voter outreach plans, and creating risk analysis deliverables.
1.3 –March 2024 Elections
In March 2024, Maricopa County will be administering three elections. The first two elections are all-mail
jurisdictional elections on March 12, in which the cities of Litchfield Park and Tempe will participate. The
deadline to call an election for the March 12 consolidated election date was September 14, 2023.
Therefore, no other jurisdictions will be holding an election in March. As of late December 2023, Litchfield
Park and Tempe had a combined 91,798 active registered voters. To participate in the March jurisdictional
elections, voters must be registered and residents of Litchfield or Tempe by February 12, 2024, which is 29
days prior to Election Day.
The third election in March is the Democratic and Republican Presidential Preference Election. The
Presidential Preference Election is the voter’s chance to select their party’s nominee for President of the
United States. In Arizona, the Presidential Preference Election is a closed primary and only the Republican
and Democratic Parties have chosen to participate in the election. The Libertarian, No Labels, and Green
parties opted out of participating in the Presidential Preference Election. Independent and Party-Not-
Declared (PND) voters are also not eligible to participate. Voters must be registered as a Republican or
Democrat by February 20, 2024, to be eligible to vote in the Presidential Preference Election.
1.4 – Presidential Preference Election Calendar
The critical operational dates for the upcoming Presidential Preference Election are included in the table
below. These dates will drive Maricopa County Elections planning activities.
2024 MARCH PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE ELECTION KEY DATES
Date
Description
February 3, 2024
Send ballots to military and oversees voters (MilitaryOverseas.Maricopa.Vote)
February 3, 2024
Update “Where Do I Vote” webpage (Locations.Maricopa.Vote)
February 20, 2024
Voter registration deadline (Register.Maricopa.Vote)
Feb. 21– Mar. 15, 2024
Early Voting – in person and by mail
March 8, 2024
Last day to request an early ballot through the mail
March 13, 2024
Recommended date to return ballot by mail
March 15 – 18, 2024
Emergency Voting
March 19, 2024
Election Day
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1.5 – Accessible, Reliable, Secure, Transparent, Efficient Voting Options
The mission and vision of Maricopa County Elections is to drive 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.
1.5.1 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 BeBallotReady.Vote or contacting the Recorder’s Office. Republican and Democrat
Voters on AEVL will be mailed a ballot 27-days before the Presidential Preference Election. Early voters
should sign and date the envelope as well as provide a phone number the Maricopa County Elections 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 in Maricopa County (Hours of availability will be posted at
Locations.Maricopa.Vote 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@risc.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. (See Section 6.0 Early Voting
– Page 36for more details).
In-Person Voting
Prior to the 2020 Election Cycle, Maricopa County used a precinct model assigning voters to a single
precinct on Election Day. With great success, Maricopa County implemented an in-person “vote anywhere”
Vote Center model in 2020. The Vote Center model was further refined during the 2022 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 2024.
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•
Early Voting (Open Monday-Friday, including some evening hours)
•
Emergency Voting (Open Friday (March 15), Saturday (March 16) and Monday (March 18) before
Election Day)
•
Election Day (Open 6am – 7pm)
Maricopa County Elections will use a phased approach to open 145 - 155 Vote Centers by Election Day. The
phased opening approach increases reliability of in-person voting operations, and significantly expands a
voter’s access to participate in the Presidential Preference Election. Vote Centers will be available during
business hours, in the evenings, and on Saturday during emergency voting. Hour and operations 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.
Vote Center Opening Phases
March Presidential Preference
Phase 1: Open Approximately 10 Vote Centers (28 Day Sites) on:
February 21
Phase 2: Open 20 -25 additional Vote Centers (8-day sites) on:
March 11
Phase 3: Open 55 - 60 additional Vote Centers (4 -2-day sites) on:
March 15 – March 18
Phase 4: Open 60 additional Vote Centers (1 -day sites) on:
March 19
Total Election Day Vote Centers
145 - 155
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 7.1.2 – page 48 for more details).
1.5.2 – Improved Reliability of Voting Options and Operations
Maricopa County Elections has implemented redundancies, documented procedures, and contingency
plans so that Maricopa County can prevent both routine and unforeseen events from disrupting voting
options. The contingency plans also offer solutions so that Maricopa County Elections can restore
operations in the event that a Vote Center or the central counting and processing center becomes
temporarily or permanently inoperable due to equipment failures, a power outage, or other unforeseen
disruption. The contingency plans are described in further detail in the following two sections of this plan.
•
2.3 Wait-Time Reduction (page 16)
•
9.0 Risk Management and Contingency plan (page 59)
1.5.3 – Transparency
To provide transparency of the County’s elections operations, the County made significant investments in
capital, staff, reviews, and other initiatives to provide the public and voters insight and visibility into the
inner workings of Maricopa County Elections. Some of these investments are highlighted below.
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•
Installed security cameras to provide 24/7 live video feeds throughout Maricopa County Election’s
facility year around
•
Added glass walls around the tabulation server and installed racking to clearly show the tabulation
equipment wires are not connected to an outside network
•
Hosted public board meetings and publishing of Election Plans
•
Hosted Tours of Maricopa County Election Facilities
•
Published educational videos
•
Invited political party representatives to observe and participate in voting processes
•
Implemented Voter Outreach initiatives
•
Invited Federally Certified Voting System Testing laboratories to evaluate tabulation equipment
1.5.4 – Security
There are many components to maintaining the security and integrity of the election process. We partner
with the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the County’s Information Security Department, and
others to perform security assessments and prepare plans to ensure we have the security measures in
place to respond to cyber, physical, and operational threats. To ensure the viability and integrity of the
plans, many of the details are not publicly disclosed.
As it relates to mail-in voting, in-person voting, and central count operations, we include some of those
security functions in sections 6.0 Early Voting plan – page 36, 7.0 Facilities and Logistics plan – page 46 and
8.0 Central Count and Tabulation plan – page 52 of this document.
1.5.5 – Efficient Voting Operations
Maricopa County, is one of the largest voting jurisdictions in the nation with over 2.4 million registered
active voters. The County is geographically larger than seven states (Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island) and spans 9,224 square miles. The County also
offers four separate voting models that allow voters to return their early ballot through the mail, drop-off
their early ballot at any voting location, or vote in-person at any early or election day Vote Centers.
In-order to serve millions of voters over a very large geographic footprint, while offering four separate
voting models, the County establishes a set of efficient voting operations, plans, and procedures. These
are documented throughout the plan, with some highlights listed below.
•
To ensure the county has the temporary work force and talent needed to support voting
operations, we created detailed plans to recruit, hire and train a large workforce of over 2,000
temporary workers (see section 4.0 Staffing – page 23 and 5.0 Training sections – page 30).
•
To ensure in-person voting wait-times are minimal, the county established procedures to project
turnout and setup a sufficient amount of voting locations within narrow windows of time (see
section 2.0 Voter Turnout and Wait-Time Reduction plan – page 9 and 7.0 Facilities and Logistics
plan – page 46).
•
Established procedures to ensure the County can securely deliver, transport, process, count, and
report results on millions of ballots and tens-of-millions of contests within statutory strict statutory
timeframes (see sections 6.0 Early Voting Plan – page 36, 7.0 Facilities and Logistics plan – page 46,
and 8.0 Central Count and Tabulation plan – page 52).
•
Established a robust communications plan that includes paid media, earned media, and voter
outreach efforts to inform voters of how they can successfully participate in the election (see
sections 3.0 Communications Plan – page 17)
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These efforts are all performed to serve voters for the March elections. With a total estimated cost of $8.5
million for both the March Jurisdictional Elections and the March Presidential Preference Election, this is
completed at a cost of less than $1.86 per Maricopa County resident1.
1.6 – Emergency Voting
State law gives the Board the authority to authorize the use of emergency voting centers for each election
and requires the Board to specify in a resolution the location of the emergency voting centers and the hours
of operation (see A.R.S. § 16-411(B)(5)). “Emergency” means any unforeseen circumstance that would
prevent the voter from voting at the polls on Election Day. Eligible voters who experience an emergency
between 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding the election and 5 p.m. on the Monday preceding the election may
vote at an emergency voting center in the manner prescribed by the Board (see A.R.S. § 16-542(H)).
Before receiving a ballot at an emergency voting center, a voter must provide identification. The voter must
also sign a statement under penalty of perjury containing substantially the following language: “I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am experiencing or have experienced an emergency after 5 p.m. on the
Friday immediately preceding the election and before 5 p.m. on the Monday immediately preceding the
election that will prevent me from voting at a polling place on Election Day.” These statements are not
subject to public inspection pursuant to Title 39, Chapter 1, Article 2 (see A.R.S. § 16-542(H); A.R.S. § 16-
246(F)(2)).
Maricopa County’s Emergency Voting plan is to staff 30-40 geographically dispersed sites throughout the
County for eligible voters to cast a vote if they experience an emergency on the Friday (after 5 p.m.) and
Saturday prior to Election Day. The number of voting locations will increase to 85-95 locations on the
Monday prior to Election Day. To minimize voter confusion, emergency voting locations will be the same
sites used during early voting.
1 July 1, 2022: United States Census Bureau estimates Maricopa County had a population of 4,551,524 residents:
U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Maricopa County, Arizona. Maricopa County Elections estimates that the county
will expend approximately $8 million to administer the March Elections (March PPE $8 million and March
Jurisdictions - $500,000)
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2.0 – Forecasting Turnout and Reducing Wait Times
To effectively plan for the 2024 March Presidential Preference Election, 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.
Historic population growth, recent elections, and increased interest in the election process point to the
potential for historic voter turnout in the 2024 election cycle. In 2020, the most recent Presidential
Preference Election, voter turnout for Democrats was at or near all-time highs. The 2020 Presidential
Preference Election had 358,390 of 732,376 (48.94% - Turnout Percentage) voters participate and the 2016
Presidential Preference Election for both Democrats and Republicans had 621,976 (50.21% - Turnout
Percentage; 52.55% for Republicans and 47.23% for Democrats) voters participate. Both elections also saw
a significant increase in early voting. For the 2016 Presidential Preference Election, 85.82% of voters that
participated cast an early ballot, while 89.81% of voters that participated in the 2020 Presidential
Preference Election cast an early ballot.
2.1 – Scope and Objectives
Forecast models include Early Voting and Election Day turnout projections for the 2024 Presidential
Preference Election. The Wait-Time Reduction Plan focuses on both Early and Election Day voting at Vote
Centers and meets statutory and legal requirements outlined in section 2.1.1 below. The 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, Emergency Voting, and Early Voting plans to reduce wait-
times at voting locations
•
Refine the forecast as new information becomes available
•
Develop a strategy to inform voters of wait-times at each location so they can make informed
decisions on when and where to vote
2.1.1 – Statutory and Other Requirements
State statute (See A.R.S. § 16-411(J)) requires that counties provide a method to reduce voter wait-time at
the polls. The Arizona Secretary of State defines wait-time as the duration of time from when the voter
arrives in line to the time the voter is provided a ballot or access to an accessible voting device.2
2.1.2 – 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
corollate precise turnout based on these factors, we use actual turnout from prior recent elections as a
primary factor for estimating turnout. There are two major factors driving uncertainty in the forecast
models. The first factor being the impact that COVID-19 had on 2020 voting patterns and how those impacts
affect the turnout models. The second factor is that post 2020, there has been a significant amount of mis-
2 Arizona Secretary of State 2023 Elections Procedures Manual (page 166).
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, dis-, and mal-information spread about the security of voting processes, especially as it relates to voting
by mail. As a result, this could cause some voters that have traditionally voted early to instead vote on
Election Day.
This uncertainty 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 2024, Maricopa County Republican and Democrat voters can choose
from any of the 145 - 155 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.
2.2 – Voter Registration Increases
Since June 2015, active registered voters in Maricopa County increased from 1,965,605 to 2,411,616 (23
percent). Since 2020, there has been a shift with most new Maricopa County voters choosing to register
as an Independent or Party-Not-Declared voter. In March 2022, Independent and Party not Declared voters
became the largest voting bloc of voters in Maricopa County. As of December 2023, there were 850,417
(35.3%) Independent or Party Not Declared Voters. In comparison, there were 825,883 (34.25%)
Republican Voters and 699,014 (28.99%) Democratic voters.
Historically, registration activity tends to increase leading up to an election. Based on registration activity
in similar election years (2016 and 2020), we anticipate there will be between 1,539,000 and 1,612,271
Republican and Democratic voters actively registered by February 20, 2024, the Voter Registration Deadline
for the March Presidential Preference Election. The chart below shows that the monthly pattern of voter
registration increases from June 2015 through December 2023.
2.2.1 - Forecast Models
March Presidential Preference Elections are rare and 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. Voter turnout from the prior two elections of a similar type, which primarily focused on the 2008
and 2016 Presidential Preference Elections because these were the most recent years in which
both the Democrats and Republicans held a Presidential Preference Election.
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2. Number of ballots (including regular, early, and provisional) cast in the prior two elections of a
similar type (A.R.S. § 16-411(J)(1))
3. Number of registered voters ( A.R.S. § 16-411(J)(3))
4. Number of registered voters who requested an early ballot or are on AEVL, (A.R.S. § 16-411(J)(2))
5. Potential number of ineligible voters that could attempt to vote
6. Other recent similar Presidential Preference Elections including 2012 and 2020
Our model estimates that total turnout will be between 803,918 and 875,842 voters that participate in the
March Presidential Preference Election. Estimates forecast that there will be between 119,000 and 179,000
Republican and Democrat voters that participate on Election Day. We also estimate that 31,733 voters may
vote provisionally with the majority of these voters not being eligible to participate due to being registered
as an Independent or Party-Not-Declared voter. See table below for forecast voter turnout estimates.
FIRST FORECAST MODEL – 2024 MARCH PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE ELECTION
Forecast Factor
2008 March
Voters
2016 March
Voters
2024 March Estimated
Voters
Registered Voters (Active Voters Only)
1,114,208
1,238,792
1,612,271
Rep / Dem Active/Permanent Early Voter
Registration %
19.0%
48.5%
82.7%
Turnout Percentage (Active Voters Only)
54.32%
50.5%
50.2 - 54.32%
Total Turnout
605,277
626,690
773,146 - 842,318
Election Day – Eligible Voters Only
250,352
92,818
115,398 – 172,187
Election Day – Provisionals Not Counted3
27,114
19,999
18,624 – 30,519
Election Day Turnout (Includes Provisionals)
277,114
112,817
134,022 – 202,705
Early Ballots Turnout (By mail and in-person)
354,925
533,772
670,131
2.3 – Wait-Time Reduction Plan
Our first step in planning to reduce wait-times is to use historical information to forecast turnout. However,
voter turnout is only one factor that can cause long lines on Election Day. Other contributing factors include
the voting model (precinct-based vs. vote center), training, contingency plans, time-of-day voting patterns,
check-in speeds, length of the ballot, and access to early voting options. The 2024 Elections Plan outlines
considerations for forecasting turnout and managing these factors to reduce wait-times and lines at voting
locations. Below are some factors and potential bottlenecks that may cause wait-times during the March
Presidential Preference Election and strategies Maricopa County is implementing to mitigate them.
3 Historical data from 2008 and 2016, the most recent elections in which both the Republican and Democratic
parties participated in the Presidential Preference Election show that 16.14% and 17.72% of Election Day voters
cast a provisional ballot. This is much higher percentage than other Countywide elections due to the Presidential
Preference Election being a closed primary and voters registered as independents and party-not-declared not
being eligible to participate. Informing independent and partry-not-declared voters that the election is a closed
primary will be a key message included as part of Maricopa County’s paid and earned media campaign.
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Expanded Access and Vote Centers
To help reduce wait-times, we have designed a model to provide voters with expanded in-person voting
options. The County will offer 145 - 155 “vote anywhere” Vote Center options on Election Day. Not only
will there be an expansion in the number of Election Day in-person voting locations, but the County will
offer many in-person voting locations beginning 27-days before Election Day. Vote Centers are regionally
dispersed and open in following four phases:
Vote Center Opening Phases
March Presidential Preference Election
Phase 1: Open Approximately 10 Vote Centers (28 Day Sites) on:
February 21
Phase 2: Open 20 -25 additional Vote Centers (8-day sites) on:
March 11
Phase 3: Open 55 - 60 additional Vote Centers (4 -2-day sites) on:
March 15 – March 18
Phase 4: Open 60 additional Vote Centers (1 -day sites) on:
March 19
Total Election Day Vote Centers
145 - 155
For the 2024 March Presidential Preference Election, we plan to increase the number of check-in stations
per location over the amount that was used during the 2016 and 2020 Presidential Preference Elections.
In 2016, the County provided each voting location with two check-in stations for a total number of 120
check-in stations Countywide. In 2020, the County provided six SiteBook check-in stations for a total of
890 countywide. For 2024, each voting location will have 8-12 SiteBooks totaling more than 1,300 check-in
stations across the county.
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
below is of a heat map that uses 2018, 2020, and 2022 in-person voting election data. It includes every
currently registered Republican and Democrat voter that voted in-person during any of the primary or
general elections occurring since 2018. It also includes all newly registered Republicans and Democrats
that registered to vote since 2022 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.
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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.
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 prove their proof of identity to a trained Poll Worker before a ballot is printed. For the
Heat map using 2018, 2020, and 2022 in-person voting data, with 2024 Vote Centers (Diamonds).
The dark red areas are the highest volume areas followed by the orange and yellow shaded areas.
The blue and green section of the map are the geographic areas that have the fewest number of
in-person voters.
Heat Map Analysis
14 | P a g e
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
identification4.
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 March Presidential Preference Election, there is only one contest
on the ballot and there are not any write-in candidates.
Using this data, we anticipate that it will take 30 – 45 seconds 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: 8 SiteBooks /15 Voting Booths
•
2,000-3,000 square foot location: 12 SiteBooks /15 Voting Booths
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.
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. Vote Centers will be
geographically dispersed throughout the county and will provide voters the option to vote at a
location that is most convenient for them, which may be near their work, gym, favorite restaurant
or while running errands. 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 encourage voters to BeBallotReady and get
informed about how to register to vote, who is eligible to vote in the Republican and Democratic
Presidential Preference Election and how to find election deadlines and Vote Centers. The
messaging strategy will have a high focus on educating Independent and Party Not Declared voters
about who is eligible to participate.
Poll Worker Training
As described in the Training Plan (Section 5, page 30), 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
4 (A.R.S. § 16-579 – Procedure for obtaining ballot by elector)
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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 is provided for every election. The manual will be available on the Maricopa County Elections’
website 45 days before each election.
Poll Worker Staffing Contingencies
We are hiring an additional four to five Poll Workers per site for a total of up to 10 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.
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.
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 on 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 quickly
dispatched with a replacement.
Additionally, Trouble Shooters will have access to three regionally located supply depots to obtain back-up
precinct-based tabulators, replacement printer cartridges, and other commonly used supplies in the event
a location’s equipment needs repair.
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, 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 wait-times. Those estimates are summarized in the table below.
March Presidential Preference Election Estimated Wait-Times
Time of Day
Average Wait-Time
Longest Wait-Time
6AM - 6:30AM
1 – 2 Minutes
8 Minutes
12:00 (NOON)
Less than 1 Minute
2 – 3 Minutes
4:30PM
Less than 1 Minute
6-7 Minutes
6:00PM
Less than 1 Minute
6-7 Minutes
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7:00PM
Less than 1 Minute
1-2 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.
March Presidential Preference Election Simulation Inputs: In-Person Voters: 202,705 (includes 30,405 provisional
voters) / Vote Centers: 134 / Check-in Stations: 8 / Voting Booths: 15 / Time to Vote Ballot 1 Minutes / Time to
Check-in: 2.5 Minutes. Even though vote center cancelations are rare, the simulation included 134 vote centers
instead of the anticipated 145 - 155 vote centers. This smaller number prepares Maricopa County election in the
event that we experience an unforeseen cancellation or closure of 10% of our planned vote centers.
2.4 – Wait-Time Remediation
For the March Presidential Preference Election, 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. Voters can visit this page
directly or find it through their BeBallotReady.Vote personalized dashboard. (described in Section 3.2.3,
page 18).
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3.0 – Communications Plan
The Communications Plan serves as a guide that outlines the County’s paid and earned media strategy,
crisis communications strategy, as well as events and other tactics to inform key stakeholders about the
five 2024 Elections that will be administered by Maricopa County Elections. In addition, changes or
updates may be required due to reasons such as changes in personnel, scope, or budget. The plan will
outline:
•
High level messaging about the 2024 Jurisdictional and Presidential Preference Election
•
Primary audience and stakeholders for outreach
•
Paid and earned media strategy
•
Voter outreach strategy
•
STAR Call Center
•
Sensitive and crisis communications
Maricopa County Elections will administer three elections in March of 2024, but not all voters are eligible
for every election. The communications plan is designed to encourage voters to BeBallotReady and get
informed about how to register to vote, who is eligible to vote in the Presidential Preference Elections
and how to find election deadlines and polling locations at BeBallotReady.Vote. The messaging strategy
will focus on educating voters about who is eligible to participate and how eligible voters can vote in each
election.
3.1 – Communications Channels
The public and media can find official communications from Maricopa County Elections through the
following channels:
•
Email – voterinfo@risc.maricopa.gov
•
Website
o English - Maricopa.Vote | BeBallotReady.Vote
o Spanish – Maricopa.Voto | TengaBoletaLista.Voto
•
Social Media
•
Press Releases & Media Alerts
•
Public tours of Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center
•
Public events
3.2 – Communication Approach & Strategy
It is essential that election-related communications between all county government and the public are
consistent, accurate, and reliable. The Communications Plan serves as a guide that outlines the County’s
paid and earned media strategy, crisis communications strategy, as well as programs, events and other
methods to inform key stakeholders about the March Presidential Preference Election.
3.2.1 - Stakeholders and Audience
•
Maricopa County residents and eligible voters are the primary audience for the Communications
Plan. Additional stakeholders include:
•
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors & Maricopa County Recorder
•
Maricopa County Elections and Recorder’s Office staff
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•
Political parties
•
Temporary staff including Poll Workers and central board workers
•
Maricopa County jurisdictions (city and town clerks, school districts, fire districts, etc.)
•
Vote Center facility owners and operators
•
Election-focused community and advocacy groups
3.2.2 - Campaign Messaging Strategy
Given the significant increase of inaccurate information on elections in Maricopa County, the 2024
campaign messaging strategy will focus on educating voters, building trust in election administration and
voting processes, and serve as a tool to attract election workers, observers, and other volunteers to
support the elections process.
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. Transparency, security,
and trust in election results is critical to the success of this election. The campaign messaging strategy will
also provide the public with information about ballot tabulation, ballot tracking, and the multi-layer
oversight of elections. Maricopa County Elections earned media and voter outreach strategy will amplify
our BeBallotReady paid media strategy. Some of the messaging themes include:
•
Only Republicans and Democrats are eligible to vote in the March Presidential Preference
Election. Independents are not able to vote in this closed primary.
•
Maricopa County Elections will administer mail only jurisdictional elections for Tempe and
Litchfield Park
•
Help Your Community Be Ballot Ready! Register to vote, ensure your voter information is correct,
and gain hands-on experience by working on elections. Get involved at BeBallotReady.Vote.
•
At BeBallotReady.Vote go behind the scenes with Maricopa County to see how ballots are
secured and counted and track your ballot every step of the way. Together, we make elections
possible.
•
A campaign highlighting that opinions are fun, but facts are better will direct social media users to
JustTheFacts.vote to find accurate information about elections in Maricopa County.
3.2.3 - BeBallotReady.Vote | TengaBoletaLista.Voto
Maricopa County is making it easier for voters to make choices when it comes to how and when they want
to vote. Our communications strategy will use BeBallotReady.Vote and TengaBoletaLista.Voto as a tool for
voters to prepare for elections in 2024.
BeBallotReady.Vote and TengaBoletaLista.Voto provide Maricopa County residents with a personalized
voter dashboard in English or Spanish that includes everything they need to know to successfully
participate in elections and learn about the elections process. Voters can make changes to personal voter
information, learn about upcoming elections, find voting locations, sign up for ballot status alerts, and
much more. The platform also provides video tutorials, infographics, and answers to frequently asked
voter questions to ensure they can successfully participate in the election. It is a one-stop shop for
Maricopa County voters to find important election information.
3.2.4 - Paid Media Strategy
Maricopa County Elections and the Recorder’s Office contracted with Commit Agency through a Contract
Task Order to develop a well-rounded paid media campaign for the 2024 election cycle. The budget
includes services for the creative design, production of advertising materials, and other costs associated
19 | P a g e
with the marketing plan for all mediums in English and Spanish, as well as direct ad buys in both English
and Spanish across multiple platforms (television, radio, print, social media, digital display, and
billboards). The campaign will educate voters who are eligible to vote in the Presidential Preference
Election and provide targeted digital media to the communities of Tempe and Litchfield Park about their
mail only jurisdictional elections. This paid media campaign will run advertising in two phases from
January through March.
•
Phase 1 – Informing Voters of the Voter Registration Deadline and Who Is Eligible to Participate in
the Election (Jan. 8, 2024 – Feb. 20, 2024)
•
Phase 2 – Informing Voters of How They Can Participate (Feb. 21, 2024 – March 19, 2024)
3.2.5 - Earned Media and Voter Outreach Strategy
Maricopa County Elections’ earned media and voter outreach strategy will amplify our BeBallotReady
paid media strategy. Methods in English and Spanish will include:
•
Earned Media Interviews – Our team is available for media interviews. We will inform voters
about important election deadlines, security measures, voting locations, and ways Maricopa
County is making elections secure, transparent, and accurate.
•
Press Releases – We will send out press releases to media on 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.
•
Toolkits – We will create a customized election toolkit for our jurisdictional partners, county
agencies, community partners and others, which will include an FAQ, Election Calendar,
participating jurisdictions, social media graphics, security infographics, and more.
•
Social Media – We will use social media to directly inform Maricopa County voters of their voting
options and respond quickly to changing narratives. Through our @MaricopaVote Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram pages, and amplified by the Recorder’s Office social media channels, we
will share our messaging to voters throughout the election cycle and respond to voter questions
with actionable information and resources. We will also share our messaging with Maricopa
County, Condado Maricopa, and other county partners to expand our reach.
•
Newsletter – We plan to provide the public with a monthly Just the Facts newsletter to inform
subscribers about election facts, upcoming election dates and deadlines, event information, and
more. The public can subscribe at JustTheFacts.Vote.
In addition to the methods above, the Maricopa County Elections will engage the public through public
forums, events, tours and more.
•
Virtual Election Education – We will produce a series of virtual webinars on election specific
topics. Our election experts will dive into recruitment and training, early voting, in-person voting,
tabulation, and other election-related topics.
•
Tours – We will provide tours of the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center to elected
officials and community organizations to present accurate information about early voting,
signature verification, the life of the ballot, controls and documentation, and the checks and
balances of the system.
•
Community Events & Activities – We will maximize community outreach and make a positive
impact in the community by leveraging community events to engage, educate, and inform eligible
voters about elections. These events will provide voter education, promote poll worker
recruitment, and ensure that the elections process provides equity to all voters. They will also
20 | P a g e
provide a forum to gain feedback and incorporate that feedback into election plans and future
outreach activities.
•
Student Election Program –The Student Election Program provides educators and high school
students access to engaging election education information to raise their voter and civic
awareness. It also provides opportunities for students at least 16 years of age to get involved in a
fulfilling experience as a Student Election Clerk. Through leadership, job skills, education, and
working with their fellow community, the Student Election Program can help to make a student’s
future brighter.
•
Deputy Registrar Program – The Recorder’s Office maintains a unique corps of non-partisan
Deputy Registrar volunteers. These individuals are registered Maricopa County voters and are
trained by the Recorder’s Office and certified on aspects of voter registration. They support
County efforts at voter registration events, naturalization ceremonies and various voter
education opportunities. The volunteers also support the County with projects such as phone
banking, mail sorting, and other tasks that directly impact voters. The Recorder’s Office provides
these volunteers with ongoing education throughout the year.
3.2.6 - Communications Command Center
Throughout the election cycle, Maricopa County Elections will stand up a communications command
center to respond to the public quickly and accurately and provide accurate election information. We will
have staff monitoring social media, responding to voters by phone and email, and communicating with
the media. The communications command center is located at MCTEC and staffed by Maricopa County
Elections and Recorder’s Office communications staff. In addition, county communicators will support this
command center throughout the election cycle to help meet the increased demand from voters.
3.2.7 - STAR Call Center
The STAR Call Center is an important member of the election team. The STAR Call Center is a shared
resource between the Maricopa County Recorder’s, Treasurer’s, and Assessor’s Offices. They maintain a
call center to serve all three offices. The STAR Call Center has seen a significant increase in volume around
elections. As a result, they increase staff to reduce wait times to speak to a live agent. Additionally, they
are collaborating with the Maricopa County Elections staff to ensure their recorded messages are up to
date and accurately reflect information voters may be seeking. Should call volumes exceed the STAR
Center’s capacity, Maricopa County Election’s staff members have been trained to support when needed.
3.2.8 - 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 long-term reliability of the 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 to take.
The media also aids in the dissemination of the crisis communication message. The Crisis Communication
Team will ensure that media has access to updated information throughout the crisis incident or event.
The Election Directors are responsible for notifying County Recorder, Board of Supervisors, and the
appropriate members of the county’s senior leadership team of the status of the incident and provide
ongoing status reports.
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The public will seek – and trust – other sources of information (e.g. news reports, social media, rumors,
and word of mouth) in the absence of official communication. Effective communication will help quell
rumors, maintain trust, and ensure public safety. We will convene the Crisis Communications Team as
quickly as possible. Depending on the urgency and severity of the incident or event, this may occur in
person or by phone. Team members include:
•
Election and Deputy Election Directors
•
Assistant Election Directors
•
Board of Supervisors - Chief of Staff for the Chairman
•
County Recorder - Deputy Recorder & Chief of Staff
•
County Manager
•
Executive Director, County Manager’s Office
•
Communication Staff
•
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and County Recorder (as needed or as appropriate)
•
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 based on the
circumstance, coordinating with all key personnel. Throughout a crisis, the team will meet frequently to
review changing facts, assess whether key messages are reaching audiences and determine whether
strategies need to change. In the event of a crisis during the election cycle, final approval of all
communications rests with the crisis communication team.
1. Immediate Response – Based on the severity of the incident and facts available, the Crisis
Communications Team will determine what, if any, public messaging should be sent out and will
ensure public safety and other emergency responders are informed as appropriate.
2. Notify Key Audiences – The Crisis Communications Team will decide which groups need to be
informed first. Audiences could include:
•
Voters
•
Poll Workers
•
Maricopa County Elections and Recorder’s Office Staff
•
News Media
•
Jurisdictions
•
Arizona Secretary of State
•
Political Parties
•
Candidates or Campaigns
•
Arizona Attorney General
•
Maricopa County Sheriff and other state and local police
•
Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center
•
Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management
•
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
•
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
•
U.S. Attorney’s Office
3. Determine Spokesperson(s) – This can either be a member of the Crisis Communications Team
who has knowledge of the crisis and is assigned to provide key messages and emerging facts to
the public/media, or an elected official in charge of Maricopa County elections.
4. 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
22 | P a g e
spokesperson. Members of the Crisis Communications team will create the Fact Sheet, and those
with a direct knowledge of the crisis will check it for accuracy. Fact sheets released publicly or
posted to the internet must be time stamped and updated as information changes.
5. Inform the STAR Call Center, Email and Social Media Response 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.
6. 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 the Maricopa County Tabulation and Elections Center
(MCTEC) for media briefings or within a designated location not in view of an official voting
location. We will take into consideration appropriate media staging locations that can
accommodate vehicles such as satellite trucks. Communication with the media will occur as
frequently as the Elections Department verifies new information.
7. 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.
8. Approval of outgoing information – Typically, communications is developed in a collaborative
way, but we recognize the need for decisive decision-making during a crisis to enable rapid,
accurate communication and will determine on a case-by-case scenario, how to involve the
appropriate members of the Crisis Communications Team.
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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. We have a proud history of rapid, high-volume community support in serving as paid
election workers. 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 adequate numbers of 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 to support the efficacy of election services. Critical to our success is the
establishment of and adherence to timelines and schedules that make the best use of our temporary
workers while also ensuring fiscal responsibilities to our taxpayers.
The scope of the Staffing Plan for the 2024 March Tempe/Litchfield Jurisdictional and Presidential
Preference Elections includes strategies, constraints, and methods to recruit:
•
Poll Workers to staff Vote Centers for early voting, emergency voting, and Election Day
•
Central board workers to staff election boards (e.g., early vote processing, duplication boards)
•
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)
•
County permanent 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
4.1 – Staffing Approach and Strategy
The staffing strategy for the 2024 elections considers the hiring landscape with 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 2024 March Jurisdictional and Presidential Preference Elections
•
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
•
Applying for federal grant funds to provide Poll Worker incentive pay to increase hourly pay rates
Recruitment for the March 2024 elections will be performed in four phases. Temporary workers are hired
to work both elections. Each hiring phase and the timeframe of the phases are described below.
24 | P a g e
•
Phase 1 (Week of December 18, 2023) – Maricopa County Elections begins hiring 8 temporary
recruiters to augment the Recruitment team. Six Temporary Recruiters will support full-time staff
in the facilitation of Phase 2 recruitment efforts. Two Temporary Recruiters will support the
recruitment efforts for temporary workers working at the Central Tabulation Center in Phase 3.
Recruit six Temporary Training Coordinators to assist with training operations.
•
Phase 2 (Week of January 2, 2024) – Begin hiring approximately 1,510 Poll Workers to staff
approximately 151 Vote Centers. Most locations will be staffed by 10 Poll Workers to include one
Inspector, two Judges, a Marshal, a Voter Registration Clerk, and five Clerks, with at least one
employee proficient in communicating with voters in English and Spanish. For larger locations that
can accommodate 8 SiteBook Check-In stations, we will increase the size of the election board to
11 Poll Workers, adding additional clerk positions to more efficiently assist with issuing ballots and
coordinating line management to accommodate larger numbers of voters. Recruiters will confirm
Poll Workers are capable of performing role-specific duties, provide necessary paperwork to
support the hiring process, and schedule Poll Workers to attend training designed to model a safe,
secure, and high-quality voter experience.
•
Phase 3 (Week of January 08, 2024) – Begin hiring 310 temporary workers to support elections
operations: T-Techs, Couriers, Drivers, Signature Verification, Special Elections Boards, Ballot
Processors, Tabulation Staff, UOCAVA Clerks, Office Assistants, Warehouse, Training, and
Recruitment support.
•
Phase 4 (Week of February 26, 2024) – Hire temporary workers, most from other County
Departments, offering civic duty pay, to support elections operations: Vote Center Setup Workers,
IT Support, Ballot Drop-Off Site Managers, Receiving Site Managers, and Elections Night
Warehouse Support (Red Line/Blue Line Workers).
Recruiters will rely on a variety of resources to obtain the necessary number of workers for the March 2024
elections. These resources include prior Poll Worker pipelines, 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,
recruitment fairs (online and in-person), Deputy Registrar events, and Political Party referrals. 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.
The Election’s recruitment and training teams will meet regularly to cross-functionally share observations
and data in support of continual improvement of the recruitment process. This heightened communication
results in increased Poll Worker job options for future elections. Additionally, the training team members
act as Hotline Operators during periods of heavy call volume, allowing these team members to assess issues
and challenges at polling locations that may be mitigated through improvements in Poll Worker
recruitment.
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
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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.
Role
Total
Pay Rate/hour
Temporary Recruiters
8
$19.00
Temporary Training Coordinators
6
$19.00
Inspectors
151
$16.50
Judges
302
$15.00
Voter Registration Clerks
151
$14.50
Marshals
151
$14.50
Clerks
755
$14.50
Temporary Troubleshooters
50
$17.00
Temporary UOCAVA Clerks
2
$17.00
Temporary Ballot Processors
51
$16.00
Temporary Signature Verification Clerks
24
$17.00
Temporary Special Election Boards
20
$16.00
Temporary Ballot Curing Clerks
7
$16.00
Temporary Mail Clerks
5
$16.00
Temporary Mail Couriers
1
$18.00
Temporary Adjudication Clerks
8
$16.00
Temporary BTC Tabulator/Operators
6
$16.00
Temporary BTC Inspector
2
$16.00
Temporary Office Assistant
2
$16.50
Temporary Ballot Couriers
53
$18.00
Temporary Warehouse Drivers
54
$19.00
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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 some Poll Workers and temporary staff cannot perform their role or duty.
We plan to hire 10-11 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 Recorder’s budget department to 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 Recruiter
Temporary Recruiter will source, screen, hire and schedule Poll Workers for assignments
at either Election Day Vote Centers. They will also be responsible for filing paperwork and
completing data entry in support of payroll functions.
Temporary Training
Coordinators
Temporary Training Coordinators will prepare and distribute class materials and assist with
hands-on instruction on the set-up, use, and breakdown of Election equipment.
Coordinators will also assist Poll Workers in troubleshooting online training issues and
answering emails in the Training Inbox.
Poll Worker: Inspector
The Inspector is the Team Leader at the Vote Center, and as such, the Inspector is
responsible for delegating the tasks of other Poll Workers, ensuring workers clock in and
out properly, and providing assistance to voters. The Inspector is responsible for making
sure that every voter is able to cast their ballot privately and securely.
Poll Worker: Judge
Each voting location will have two Judges of different political party affiliation. The Judge
is the backup for the Inspector, and therefore is charged with the same responsibilities as
the Inspector. Along with assisting voters with the check-in process, the Judge supports
Curbside Voting, the use of Accessible Voting Devices, and monitors Ballot Drop-Off and
Tabulation.
Poll Worker: Marshal
The Marshal is responsible for preserving order at the polls, most specifically regarding
line management during high-volume cycles. The Marshal is responsible for maintaining
order at the polls and ensuring the opening of the polls and the completion of activities at
the end of the day. The Marshal measures the length of wait times throughout the day
and may also perform the duties of other Poll Workers on a relief basis. The Marshall
monitors both tabulators on Election Day.
Poll Worker: Voter
Registration Clerk
The Voter Registration Clerk assists voters in updating their name or address in the
SiteBook as needed. They may also assist the Inspector or Judge in verifying the voter
possesses the required acceptable identification. The Voter Registration Clerks shall be
certified as having completed and mastered a training curriculum approved by the
Recorder’s Office due to their access to live voter registration information via the SiteBook.
Temporary T-Techs
50
$19.00
Temporary Hotline Reps
25
$16.00
Temporary IT Techs
5
$20.00
Temporary Communication’s Intern
1
$18.00
Hand Count Boards (Recruited by political parties)
48
$14.35
Temporary Red Line/Blue Line Workers (Civic Duty – County
Employees)
40
$14.35
Total
1978
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Job Title
Responsibilities
Poll Worker: Clerk
Clerks are responsible for providing voters with the correct ballot. This is done by
confirming specific information on the ballot, and in some cases (Early Voting, Emergency
Voting, Provisional Ballots) matching information on the ballot to information on an
affidavit envelope. In the case of Vote Centers using ballot-on-Demand (BOD) capabilities,
the clerk retrieves a printed ballot from a BOD printer, confirms the information on the
ballot matches the voter’s BOD code, and if necessary, the code on the affidavit envelope,
and presents these items to the voter. Clerks will also report wait times using the SiteBook
at regular intervals.
Poll Worker:
Troubleshooter
Troubleshooters attend and assist teams with setting up locations. Maintains
communication with Trouble-shooter Hotline and Inspector. Assists with any issues that
arise. Runs supplies to assigned polling locations. Reports on the job issues to the
Troubleshooter Hotline.
Temporary UOCAVA Clerk
UOCAVA Clerks support the mission of the Uniformed & Overseas Citizens Absentee
Voting Act. Duties include assisting overseas voters in registering to vote, requesting an
early ballot, and voting a ballot via a secure portal.
Temporary Ballot
Processors
Ballot Processors work in teams of two, or Boards, and they must be of a different political
party. Ballot processors open, verify ballots are for the correct election, and stack ballots
for delivery to the Ballot Tabulation Center.
Temporary Signature
Verification Clerks
Signature Verification Clerks are responsible for verifying that signature on affidavit
envelopes match voters’ signatures on record. They may use forensic techniques to
analyze signatures, and they may also perform other research such as contacting voters
directly to ensure the efficacy of mail-in ballot processing.
Temporary Special Election
Board
The Special Election Board is responsible for assisting voters that are confined due to
illness or a disability. Board workers partner and travel with a team member from a
different political party to facilitate voting services.
Temporary Curing Clerk
Utilize proprietary Elections software to view signature files and verify voter signatures on
affidavit envelopes. Outreach to voters primarily via telephone to verify identity on EV
affidavit envelopes and explain simple processes. Perform general office duties including
data entry, email communications to voters, mail sorting, filing, and other duties as
needed
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
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 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.
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Job Title
Responsibilities
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.
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 election-related 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 reimbursements to temporary employees.
4.6 – Deliverables and Performance Metrics
Staffing deliverables provide Performance Data that will shape future models. These include:
•
Tracking weekly metrics related to hire-by-source. Elections has leveraged support from County
Procurement to increase our cadre of temporary staffing resources. We are currently partnering
with three temporary staffing firms to provide quick-turn solutions for high-quantity/high-quality
resources. We will be tracking placements by source to better understand the capabilities of these
firms, and data will be shared back to Procurement leaders.
•
Poll Worker rosters showing assigned role, party registration status, polling location assignment
and training status
•
Weekly staffing updates showing recruitment status for each phase and position
•
Successful hire rates based on recruiting sources
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•
Drop-Out rates based on recruiting sources
•
Areas needing additional resources or innovative measures to overcome challenges
•
Surveys (temporary worker and hiring manager)
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5.0 – Training Plan
The Maricopa County Elections training plan for the 2024 Presidential Preference Election establishes the
framework to ensure 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 both the 2024 Presidential Preference and March
Jurisdictional Elections:
•
Approximately 1,500 Poll Workers will staff –145-155 Vote Centers to serve as Inspectors, Judges,
Marshals, Voter Registration Clerks, and Clerks.
•
Approximately 40-50 Troubleshooters will receive training from both the Poll Worker curriculum
as well as curriculum identified by the Training Manager focusing on more complex issues related
to voting equipment
•
Approximately 500 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 March 2024 Elections will be to provide training with these specific
objectives:
•
Establish a training curriculum
o Redesign training curriculum to deliver 50% 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.
o Training sessions will be held in Central Phoenix and surrounding communities in the East,
North, and West Valley.
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o Training will be offered over the course of five 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 setting training coupled with in-person hands on training.
Early Voting, Vote Center, and Warehouse divisions establish division specific role-based training
curriculum. This includes:
o Development and review of training manuals
o Formal classroom setting 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 that will provide the temporary workforce with appropriate training to prepare them for their
assignments. Factors that will be addressed include varied learning styles, statutory training requirements,
and the high volume of temporary staff that need training in a short period of time. Specific methodologies
and curriculum are described in further detail below.
5.3.1 Premium Poll Worker Training
The newest Maricopa County Elections’ training product is the Premium Poll Worker Inspector training
course. The goal of Maricopa County Elections is to have at least one Premium Certified Inspector present
at each voting location. The Premium Poll Worker Inspector course is a 16-hour course conducted over
two days. To become a Certified Premium Poll Worker Inspector, a passing score of 80% must be achieved
on two assessments to earn the recognition of Certified Premium Poll Worker Inspector. The new course
was introduced in July of 2021 and was updated during the 2023 calendar year.
The learning objectives of the Premium Poll Worker Inspector course are:
•
To provide an in-depth understanding of all areas of the voting process
•
A clear understanding of how to trouble shoot all voting equipment issues
•
The ability to successfully resolve problems through de-escalation and problem-solving techniques
•
An understanding of the operational tasks that are required to be completed daily
•
Course Topics: Setting up the Vote Center, opening and closing procedures, SiteBook and ballot-
on-demand printer functionality, accessible voting device functionality, precinct-based tabulation
operations, checking voter ID, de-escalation and problem-solving techniques.
As of December 1, 2023, we have completed 37 Premium Poll Worker two-day courses with 534 poll
workers successfully completing the course and assessments. Bipartisan representation is critical to the
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success of Maricopa County Elections, and we have ensured a balanced number of Democrats, Republicans,
and other registered voters as attendees. The number of attendees as of December 1, 2023, based on
political party registration status is shown below.
•
206 Republican Party
•
210 Democratic Party
•
118 Other (Independent, Party Not Declared, Libertarian Party)
5.3.2 – 2024 Presidential Preference and March Jurisdictional 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
Presidential Preference Election, Maricopa County Elections will hire and train approximately 1,800 staff to
work at approximately 150 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 use up to and
including Election 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 seven 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.
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2024 Presidential Preference Election Training Dates
Training Dates
Key Election Dates
Sessions
Seats
February 5 – February 10, 2024
7
100
February 12 – February 17, 2024
24
390
February 20 – February 24, 2024
E-27 (Feb. 21)
22
360
February 26 – March 2, 2024
24
390
March 4 – March 9, 2024
24
390
March 11 – March 16, 2022
E-8 (Mar. 11)
23
370
March 19, 2024
Election Day
0
0
Total Sessions / Seats 124
2,000
Two training sessions will be customized to train Poll Workers who will be working at the Litchfield Park
and Tempe sites that will serve as ballot replacement centers for the March jurisdictional elections and
voting locations for the Presidential Preference Election.
Maricopa County Elections Early Voting teams will be spreading out throughout the building, allowing those
temporary employees enough safe space to work. Spaces usually dedicated for training will be needed for
our Early Voting teams. This created a unique opportunity for the Training Team to deliver most of the in-
person instruction in regional locations in the west, central and east valley. Many of our learners will have
the opportunity to train and practice using election equipment in a facility that has been outfitted as a Vote
Center. We are excited to offer this immersive learning environment as part of the training strategy for the
election cycle.
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 (see Appendix A, page 67)
•
Review and hands-on training setting up, using, and breaking down Polling Equipment including
BOD, Accessible Voting Device, Tabulator, SiteBook, and Voting Booths
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•
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 MoFi Disconnection Procedures
•
Troubleshooting including when and how to implement wait-time reduction, contacting a
Troubleshooter for technical support, and basic equipment support
•
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 – 2022 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
teamwork in coordination with Poll Workers to set up Vote Centers and Polling Locations prior to opening
for Election Activities. 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 a 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
hand 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
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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 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 early ballot pickups from early voting centers. During their first
week, ballot couriers will attend the classroom portion of safe truck operations that delivery driver and
setup teams attend. They will also receive form training and undergo hands-on exercises demonstrating:
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6.0 –Early Voting Plan
The Recorder’s Office Early Voting Plan will ensure that voters have access to a reliable and secure early
voting process for the 2024 March Presidential Preference Election.
6.1 Early Voting Approach and Strategy
The significant majority of Maricopa County voters – of all political parties – vote by early ballot. In recent
elections, early voting has constituted between 82% to 92% of the total votes cast in the election.
The Recorder’s Office oversees the following early voting programs and processes:
•
Early Ballot Request (Active Early Voting List and One-time Requests)
•
Ninety-Day Notification Mailers
•
Printing and Mailing of Early Ballot Packets
•
Mail Pick-ups and Drop-offs
•
Signature Verification and Curing
•
Early Ballot Processing
•
Special Programs/Processes: Military and Overseas Voters (UOCAVA), Special Election
Boards, Provisional Ballot Processing, Serving Pre-trial Detainees
6.2 Key Dates
2024 MARCH PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE ELECTION KEY “EARLY VOTING” DATES
Date
Description
December 20, 2023
Mail 90-Day Cards to AEVL Voters and Begin Accepting Early Ballot Requests
February 3, 2024
Last Day to Send Ballots to Military and Overseas Voters
February 21, 2024
Early Voting In-person and Mail Begins
March 8, 2024
Last Day to Request an Early Ballot by Mail, by 5:00 p.m.
March 12, 2024
Recommended Date to Return Ballot by Mail – in order for it to be Received by
the 7:00 p.m. Election Day Deadline
March 15, 2024
Early Voting In-Person Ends, at 5:00 p.m.
March 19, 2024
Presidential Preference – Election Day
6.3 – Early Voting Processes and Programs
6.3.1 - “No Excuse” Early Voting
Arizona law allows “no excuse” early voting. This voting option is frequently referred to as “Early Voting”
or “Vote-By-Mail.” Historically, and in increasing numbers over the years, Maricopa County voters choose
to vote by early ballot. After the 2008 adoption of the Permanent Early Voting List (since amended to be
called the Active Early Voting List), early voting increased substantially. In the most recent Presidential
Preference Election (2020), 89.81% of ballots cast in Maricopa County were early ballots. The popularity
of Early Voting has grown continuously over time.
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6.3.2 – Requesting an Early Ballot and 90-Day Cards
This year, two of the recognized political parties – the Republican Party and the Democratic Party – will
participate in the Presidential Preference Election on March 19, 2024. Therefore, only Republican and
Democrat Voters on the Active Early Voting List (“AEVL”) will be mailed, automatically, an early ballot on
February 21, 2024, twenty-seven (27) days before the Presidential Preference Election. Maricopa County
voters can sign up for the AEVL, and/or select to associate with the Republican or Democrat parties, with
either a paper form, or online through the state Motor Vehicle Division website (ServiceArizona.com). To
receive an early ballot automatically, the voter must be a registered Republican or Democrat, and signed
up for the AEVL, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the second Friday prior to the election (sign up by March 8,
2024 at 5:00 p.m.). Currently, 78% of all active voters in Maricopa County are on the AEVL, 78% of active
registered Republicans are on the AEVL, and 87% of active registered Democrats.
For the Presidential Preference Election, an eligible voter (registered Republican or Democrat) who is not
part of AEVL may request a one-time early ballot to be sent by mail. Voters may make these requests by
visiting BeBallotReady.Vote, or Request.Maricopa.Vote, or by contacting the Recorder’s Office at: (602)
506-1511. One-time requests for an early ballot to be mailed must be received by the Recorder’s Office
no later than 5:00 p.m. on the second Friday prior to an election (March 8, 2024). Voters not on AEVL
may also choose to vote in person during the early voting period or on Election Day.
In addition to traditional ballot-by-mail options, Maricopa County provides voters with other early voting
options. Voters may request the following options by emailing: SEB@risc.maricopa.gov or calling: (602)
506-1511:
•
Braille ballots
•
Large Print ballots
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•
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 consist 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.
Whether the voter opts to vote by mail or in-person, Maricopa County provides safe, reliable, secure, and
accessible choices to voters.
Ninety-Day Cards: State law requires the County Recorder to mail a notice to all voters on the Active Early
Voting List (AEVL) no later than ninety (90) days prior to the Presidential Preference Election. The
Recorder’s Office sent this mailing on December 20, 2023 to all registered Republicans and Democrats on
the AEVL. These cards serve several purposes including:
•
Confirmation that the voter still resides at the address;
•
Opportunity for voters to update information as necessary;
•
Request a temporary address change;
•
Request to be removed from the Active Early Voting list;
•
Request not to receive a ballot by mail for the upcoming election.
AEVL voters may make their requests online at: BeBallotReady.Vote or Request.Maricopa.Vote by
February 3, 2024, or they may drop their ninety-day notice card (with requested changes) in the mail by
January 25, 2024 to ensure it is received and processed in time.
SAMPLE MAIL-PANEL OF NINETY-DAY NOTICE
6.3.3 – Early Ballot Security and Tracking
Voting by mail in Arizona and Maricopa County is secure and verifiable. The Recorder’s Office and the
Board of Supervisors have internal controls and tracking methods for ballot security. These security
measures include:
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•
ONLY REGISTERED VOTERS CAN REQUEST A BALLOT: State law requires that the
Recorder’s Office check the voter registration record against vital records and numerous
other governmental databases prior to mailing a ballot to a voter. These checks verify the
registration status of the voter and ensure that the correct ballot is sent to the correct voter.
•
VERIFICATION STARTS NINETY (90) DAYS BEFORE AN ELECTION: State law requires the
Recorder’s Office to mail notices to all voters on the Active Early Voting List ninety (90) days
prior to an election. This mailing confirms that the voter still lives at the address on file using
the U.S. Post Office address database and allows voters the opportunity to update their
records if necessary. After reconciling voter records, the Recorder’s Office mails ballots
twenty-seven (27) days prior to Election Day.
•
CHAIN OF CUSTODY AND INTELLIGENT BARCODE TRACKER: Every mailed ballot is tracked
upon delivery and receipt with a unique, intelligent mail barcode. Once the ballot is
returned, there is a robust set of chain of custody documents that track all early ballots as
they progress through each step of the process, finalizing at tabulation. The combination of
the unique barcode and these chain-of-custody documents ensures the integrity and security
of the early ballot.
•
ALL AFFIDAVIT ENVELOPES ARE SIGNATURE VERIFIED: All signatures are compared by
trained humans against known signatures in the official voter registration record, including
registration forms, verified affidavit signatures from prior elections, and past in-person check-
in signatures. The signature verification process has multi-level checks (including regular
audits) to ensure that only ballot affidavit envelopes with valid signatures are advanced.
Voters with questionable signatures are contacted by the Recorder’s Office and have five
business days after this election to confirm their signatures.
•
ONLY VERIFIED BALLOTS ARE COUNTED: Once the signature is verified, the return
affidavit envelope is opened by a bipartisan board, the ballot is checked for damage, and,
after other controls, ultimately sent to tabulation. All uncounted ballots (e.g. no signature
and uncured, questioned signatures) are tracked and reported in the official canvass.
Since every ballot packet is affixed with a unique barcode specifically assigned to a given voter, voters may
track when their ballot packet is mailed, when the ballot packet is received, once the ballot affidavit
envelope is signature verified, and when the ballot has been processed and sent to be counted. To sign up
for this alert, voters can text: “JOIN” to 628-683 or sign up online at: BeBallotReady.Vote.
6.3.4 - Printing and Mailing of Early Ballot Packets
The Recorder’s Office anticipates serving over 1.3 million early voters for the March 2024 Presidential
Preference Election.
All early ballot packets include: a carrier envelope, the ballot, an early ballot affidavit envelope, and voter
instructions. These packets are assembled at Runbeck Election Services (“Runbeck”). Runbeck has state-
of-the-art security as well as fire detection and suppression systems. Runbeck has partnered with
Maricopa County for over 20 years and is utilized by counties all throughout the United States.
Arizona Revised Statute §16-545 requires placement of the following language on the Early Voting Carrier
Envelope: “If the addressee does not reside at this address, mark the unopened envelope ‘return to
sender’ and deposit in the United States mail.” Voters will assist the Recorder’s Office in maintaining
accurate voter registration rolls by adhering to this directive. The U.S. Post Office approved the
placement of this language on the outside of the envelope and provided assurances that it will not
negatively impact delivery of the early ballot packet.
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(Carrier Envelope with statutory required language “If the addressee does not reside at this
address, mark the box and return it to the U.S. Postal Service.”
Additionally, as of 2023, Arizona Revised Statute §16-513 requires that the early ballot instructions
include the following language: “A person may only handle or return their own ballot or the ballot of
family members, household members, or person for whom they are a caregiver. It is unlawful under
section 16-1005 to handle or return the ballot of any other person. Ballot instructions will be updated
accordingly.”
6.3.5 - Ballot Flagging
State law requires early ballot requests to be flagged and fulfilled promptly. Both permanent and
temporary staff fulfill this role. Staff members are also tasked with verifying the signatures of returned
early ballot affidavits and contacting voters regarding any questionable or missing signatures. This work
takes place across the twenty-seven-day (27) early voting period and continues after the election for all
early ballots received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
The Ballot Flagging team also manages the processing of ninety-day (90) notice cards, adding/removing
voters from AEVL, voiding/reissuing ballots, processing temporary address requests, taking one-time
ballot requests, and adding or removing “opt-out of election” requests for ballots from voters.
6.3.6 - UOCAVA Program
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) program provides military
personnel (domestic and stationed abroad) and eligible overseas voters (temporarily or indefinitely) extra
time to receive and return their ballots. As required by federal law, the Recorder’s Office mails or
otherwise delivers ballots forty-five (45) days before the election. These voters have options to return
their ballots and signed affidavits to the Recorder’s Office through a secure portal, or by fax, mail, or
email. All UOCAVA ballots must still undergo signature verification like a traditional early ballot and must
also be received by the Recorder’s Office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
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6.3.7 - Mail Delivery Pick-ups and Drop-offs
The Recorder’s Office securely handles all ballots and utilizes chain of custody documentation for all
returned ballots. At regular intervals, a two-member bipartisan team picks up the mail from a secure
USPS location and delivers it in batches to Runbeck. The transfer is documented using a chain-of-custody
transfer slip that is signed by both Recorder’s Office staff and Runbeck staff.
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 review. To ensure all ballots are
accounted for, the batch system is continuously audited and is validated by Recorder’s Office staff and
bipartisan Citizen Boards through audit tray reports that accompany every batch. These audit tray
reports are also used by early ballot processing boards (See 6.3.9 Bipartisan Ballot Processing Boards)
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 review the digital images of voter affidavit signatures
– thus eliminating the need to handle the actual physical ballot packet multiple times.
6.3.8 - Signature Verification and Curing
Maricopa County utilizes a multi-level signature verification process, conducted by humans, to review
100% of all signatures on all mail-in ballots. Staff at the Recorder’s Office will comparethe digital image
of the signature on the affidavit envelope with verified historical signatures. These historical signatures
– the voter registration record – may include voter registration forms, in-person roster signatures, and
early voting affidavits from previous elections.
To complete signature verification and curing, the Recorder’s Office will hire approximately thirty-one
(31) temporary staff members and will utilize over sixty (6o) permanent staff members. All staff will be
trained by nationally known signature verification experts from both County and State resources. Party
observers will be invited to watch signature verification and curing, and a 24/7 livestream of MCTEC staff
will be available at: elections.maricopa.gov for the public.
There are two levels of signature verification review. Both levels are audited. During the first level review,
staff members are trained to identify broad and local characteristics of the signature and compare it to up
to three (3) previously verified signatures held in the voter record. In this first review, staff can only select
one of the following two options:
1) Approve the signature (when a signature is consistent with others in the record); or
2) Mark the signature as an “exception” (when a signature is inconsistent).
Signatures marked as an “exception,” are assigned to a manager, who has access to review all signatures
in the entire voter record. Dispositions at the manager level include the following options: “good
signature,” “no signature,” “questionable signature,” “need packet,” “deceased,” and “household
exchange.”
All signatures are subject to a two percent (2%) randomized sample audit. After signatures are reviewed
and the audit is complete, disposition codes are sent to Runbeck. Runbeck scans and sorts all ballot
affidavit packets according to their disposition codes. Those packets are batched (approximately 250
packets per batch) into trays and readied for pickup and transport to MCTEC.
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Audit reports accompany all affidavit packet batches. A bipartisan team of two Recorder’s Office staff
members retrieve the batches from Runbeck and transport them to MCTEC for processing and tabulation
or curing. Upon arrival at MCTEC, the batched trays are distributed based on the dispositions made
during signature verification. The affidavit envelopes with verified good signatures go to bipartisan ballot
processing boards. The affidavit envelopes with no signatures, questionable signatures, need packet,
deceased, and household exchange dispositions will remain sealed and are delivered to the signature
verification/ballot flagging team for research and curing. The audit report follows all batches and is signed
by both the delivering and receiving teams to account for all ballots.
State law requires the County Recorder to make a meaningful attempt to contact voters when their
signatures cannot be verified. The Recorder’s signature verification and flagging teams are responsible
for performing all curing activities. For the Presidential Preference Elections, State law allows the voter
seven calendar days (five business days) to verify a questionable signature and gives voters until 7:00 p.m.
on Election Day to cure a no signature packet.
The team will make a reasonable and meaningful attempt to contact voters utilizing the information
available in the voter’s registration file and on the affidavit. Each staff member will utilize a preapproved
letter and/or script when communicating with the voter about the available options for curing.
All attempts to contact voters are documented on a standardized preprinted voter contact label, one
label per contact. The label includes the outcome of the communication, the voter’s response, the date of
the contact, and the initials of the staff member engaging in the outreach. All staff members contacting
voters will be provided a supply of labels, the approved script, the guide for the labels, a phone, and
affidavit packets that require follow up with the voter.
Voters have multiple options to cure a questionable signature, including verifying their identity via phone
call, visiting the Recorder’s Office in person, or using a texting feature. The TXT2Cure platform provides a
secure option to facilitate curing by requiring users to verify submission of a signed ballot affidavit,
provide an electronic signature attesting to such, and submit an image of photo identification with an
Arizona address (AZ Driver License or AZ State Issued Identification). Once a voter verifies or “cures” a
signature, a “Verified and Approved – MCTEC” stamp will be placed on the affidavit envelope and the
packet will be sent to ballot processing. The packets containing questionable signatures that are not
cured by the deadline remain sealed and are reported on the official canvass as either “rejects” or as
“bad” signatures.
If a voter notifies the Recorder’s Office that he/she did not mail or sign an affidavit envelope, the staff
member will immediately report the matter to a supervisor. The supervisor will research the case. Any
cases categorized as “suspected voter fraud” will be referred to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
for investigation. Voters who forgot to sign their packets may sign the original packet or may choose to
vote in person. If the voter chooses to vote in person, the original, unsigned packet is automatically
voided in the system and cannot be counted. The packets containing no signature that are not cured by
the deadline remain sealed and are reported on the official canvass as “no signature.”
6.3.9 – Bipartisan Ballot Processing
All early voting packets deemed to have good signatures are sent to bipartisan, two-memberprocessing
boards. For the Presidential Preference Election, three (3) permanent staff members will manage
upwards of twenty-five (25) bipartisan, two-member boards (working in shifts, as needed). Also in the
room with the ballot processing boards are data entry clerks and two room attendants. At this staffing
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level, the Recorder’s Office anticipates processing 65,000 ballots per regular eight-hour shift. Upon
separating the ballot from the affidavit envelope, the citizen board makes sure the ballot is of the correct
style and is undamaged. Damaged ballots are documented and sent to a bipartisan duplication board.
Undamaged ballots are documented and transported to quality control for an additional audit of the
paperwork before transporting custody of the ballots to the Board of Supervisors for tabulation.
Early ballot processing requires attention to detail and the methodical separation of the ballot from these
affidavit envelopes to ensure, as required, that every ballot is anonymous when tabulated. Party
observers are invited to watch the process, and a 24/7 livestream is available at: elections.maricopa.gov
for the public.
SECURITY CAGE
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The processing area shown in the “Big Room Functional Areas” floorplan illustrates a typical room setup
that maximizes the use of the space and allows materials to move efficiently among each
area. Additionally, there will be designated staging and secured caged areas for unprocessed and
processed ballot trays. Finally, a quality control station, bipartisan board worktables, processed ballots
awaiting transfer to BTC, and empty affidavit envelope staging will also occur in this room.
6.3.10 - Election Day Deadline
Pursuant to state law, all ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. The U.S. Postal Service
recommends that voters return their ballot affidavit envelopes at least seven (7) calendar days before
Election Day to guarantee timely delivery. Ballots received after 7:00 p.m. on Election Day are not valid
and are not counted, no matter their postmark.
6.3.11 Special Election Boards
The Recorder’s Office administers a Special Election Boards (SEB) program, as outlined in Arizona law,
designed to assist individuals who are incapable of traveling to the polls and who do not choose to
engage in the Early Voting process. Through this program, a Special Election Board, made up of two
individuals of different political parties, will visit the voter in person to aid as directed by the voter. The
types of voters the SEB teams typically serve are those who live temporarily or permanently in nursing
homes and hospitals, and those who have disabilities or who cannot live independently. All voters visited
by an SEB must provide identification.
6.3.12 - Processing Provisional Ballots
As called for in Arizona law, provisional ballots allow all voters to participate in the voting process while
giving the Recorder’s Office extra time to determine if the voter is properly registered. Maricopa County
provides provisional ballots to voters who vote in-person but do not have the required identification, as
well as d to voters whose eligibility is questioned. Most frequently, these voters are either not registered
to vote or registered after the deadline for the election in progress. The Recorder’s Office is responsible
for researching voter information for any provisional ballots cast and determining whether the voter is
properly registered and if the ballot should be counted.
In person voters who do not provide sufficient identification are issued a conditional provisional ballot in
accordance with A.R.S. §16-579. These voters have seven calendar days (five business days) after Election
Day to present the required identification to validate their identities. Only then will conditional
provisional ballots be counted.
6.3.13 - Serving Pre-Trial Detainees
Pretrial detainees and other inmates in correctional facilities, whose voting rights are still intact, may
request that their ballots be mailed to the detention facility. The Recorder’s Office partners with the
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to ensure detainees have access to resources at the Recorder’s Office to
get questions answered.
6.3.14 - Informed Delivery
The Recorder’s Office partners with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Informed Delivery. With Informed
Delivery, voters who sign up will receive a picture of mail pieces delivered each day, including the
envelope containing their early ballot. As an added benefit, the Recorder’s Office will have the
opportunity this year to apply for a potential 4% discount on future postage.
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In addition to Informed Delivery, voters who sign up for the Recorder’s “Ballot Status” subscription
service by texting JOIN to: 628-683, and the (USPS) Informed Delivery service, will be able to track all
stages of the ballot life cycle.
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7.0 – Facilities and Logistics Plan
The Maricopa County Elections, Facilities and Logistics Plan for the 2024 March Presidential Preference
Election establishes the framework for ensuring that Maricopa County voters have a safe, reliable, and
accessible in-person voting options for Early Voting, Emergency Voting and on Election Day.
The Facilities and Logistics Plan describes our approach to providing adequate facilities and efficient
logistics support for the 2024 Presidential Preference Election. Facilities and logistics will offer in-person
voting options at approximately 150 geographically dispersed locations that are compliant with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Throughout early voting and on Election Day, we will also be
providing approximately 5 – 20 dropbox-only locations within government facilities throughout the County.
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 182 full time and temporary logistics (e.g., facility relations, ballot
couriers, hotline call center, and troubleshooters) and warehouse (e.g., drivers, inventory
specialists, and warehouse) staff are hired, trained and proficient on all assigned tasks and
functions in preparation for the Presidential Preference Election
•
Acquiring, inspecting, setting up, and supporting Vote Centers
•
Preparing, packaging, securing, delivering, and recovering sufficient and fully functional supplies,
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 during early
voting periods and on election day
7.1 – Facilities Management Approach and Strategy
The facilities management planning cycle starts approximately 12 months before the election and includes
regular communication with facilities owners and administrators to keep them apprised of available dates
and facility conditions. To help ease the voting experience, we attempt to use the same voting locations
from election to election. However, due to constraints (e.g., facility availability, construction, inspection
compliance, and specific election requirements) we cannot always adhere to this approach.
As described in the Voter Turnout and Wait-Time Reduction Plans (Section 2.0, page 9), we determined that
between 145-155 Vote Centers are needed for Presidential Preference Election taking place in 2024. 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 (see section 7.1.1)
•
Performing inspections and ensuring locations comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (see
section 7.1.2)
•
Transitioning from early voting and emergency voting to election day (see section 7.1.3)
•
Acquiring and contracting with voting facilities (see section 7.1.4)
•
Setting up facilities and supporting ongoing operations (see section 7.2)
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7.1.1 - Election Day Voting Locations
Voting Location and Setup
For the Presidential Preference Election, in-person voters can vote from any of 145-155 geographically
dispersed Vote Centers. All Election Day sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in accordance with
statutory guidance established in Title 16 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.
The Vote Center model will default to an eight-check-in station layout with three ballot-on-demand printers
and twenty-five 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.
The Vote Center model provides Maricopa County voters the ability to vote outside their designated
precinct by using Ballot-On-Demand (BOD) and SiteBook technology. To simplify printer deployment (e.g.,
setup, usage, and repair) the Facilities and Logistics division reduced the printer types from two brands
used in 2022 to a single brand in 2024. For the 2024 Election Cycle, Maricopa County will use the Lexmark
C4150 and C4352 printers for all sites. Through testing and usage during the November 2023 Jurisdictional
Elections, we determined that these larger, more robust ballot-on-demand printers are more reliable and
better suited for Maricopa County’s Vote Center Model. These printers have demonstrated excellent
performance and excel at producing high quality ballots, envelopes, and receipts during intermittent
printing and in high volume setting in as little as 5.5 seconds per print item.
2024 Presidential Preference Election
Vote Center Default Layout
8 Check-in Stations 3 Ballot on Demand Printers
1 ICX Accessible Voting Device 2 ICP2 Tabulators
1 Drop Box 15+ Voting Booths
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7.1.2 - Facility Inspections and Accessible Voting
To verify that facilities will meet our needs, we perform inspections to substantiate hours of operation,
indoor space, floor plans, wireless connectivity, line management needs, and parking needs. We also
evaluate the facility to ensure voters with a disability can vote in-person or curbside if they choose. To
confirm usability and voter accessibility we review the following during our on-site inspections:
•
Voter entrance
•
Obstacles
•
Confirmation of minimum square footage, parking, and lighting
•
Ability to setup certified accessible voting device
•
Availability for curbside voting
•
Drop-off or loading area with a level access side
•
Exterior and interior pedestrian routes that voters use to get to check-in and voting areas
In some instances, we 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.
Additional accessible voting options such as special election boards that visit nursing homes are described
in further detail in the Early Voting Plan. The Elections Department complies with the following Federal and
State laws 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
On the left side is the Lexmark C4150
has the capability of a workgroup
printer that functions with the ease of
a personal output printer. High volume
printing with simple functioning is an
optimal solution for Vote Centers
serving larger venues. On the right side
is the new Lexmark C4352 which has
the same capability of the C4150 with a
slightly different look and
configuration.
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7.1.3 - 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 Emergency Voting and Early Voting
phases.
7.1.4 - Facilities Acquisition & Timeline
We place an emphasis on enhancing relationships with facility administrators and staff to build a reliable
inventory of ready-to-use facilities. Most facilities provide the 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 about 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: The Elections Department completes a joint review with the Recorder’s 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 2024 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 for changes
in dates, times, venue, and ensuring positive relationships with facility owners and managers.
•
60-21 days: Final confirmations are made with all facilities to determine if there have been any
changes in dates, times, and/or venue. Once all confirmations are made, the Elections Department
will post the locations on our website, Locations.Maricopa.Vote.
During the complete election cycle, we conduct continuous monitoring of interactions with facilities.
Department staff work to resolve issues. At the end of the election cycle, lessons learned are captured
during an after-action review and recorded for future use.
7.1.5 - Drop Box Only Locations
The Facility and Logistics division will also be opening approximately 5-20 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. Most drop box locations are placed in municipal centers such as city halls, public libraries.
We 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.
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7.2 – Voting Equipment Delivery & Logistics
Vote Center equipment delivery and set up begins up to 36 days prior to the election. Set up teams will be
comprised of drivers, t-techs, warehouse workers and troubleshooters. 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 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 get ahead of the schedule as feasible. Set up crews confirm set up completion
with Vote Center manager and provide a second set of onsite test prints that further confirm BOD
functionality on site. A makeup date is injected into the planning calendar if a failed set up occurs.
7.2.1 – Equipment and Supply Buildout
The Elections Department 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 settings 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, they are assembled jointly by IT staff and warehouse personnel. The
accessible voting device and precinct-based tabulators are programmed and tested by Ballot Tabulation
Center staff and then carefully packed and configured for transport by warehouse personnel. Next steps
involve the non-technical preparation aspects and start with the consumable stock needed at each Vote
Center such as blank ballot shells, envelopes, blank paper for receipts and the heavier weighted 8 ½” x 11”
paper for the accessible voting device. 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 of the
stationary supplies such as ballot marking pens. They follow the same equipment checklist used by
permanent staff.
7.2.2 – Election Day Facility and Operational Support
Hotline and Troubleshooters
Hotline and troubleshooter temporary staff support critical functions as subject matter experts; they are
hired from a specialized pool of people with previous elections experience. They are already familiar with
the Election Reporting System (ERS) and understand the urgent need for quickly responding to problems
that arise.
Troubleshooters are issued kits with extra supplies and a troubleshooter manual for reference during their
shift. Troubleshooters act in a semi-supervisory capacity in their management of up to five Vote Centers
and are looked to for procedural guidance and some technical support as the first line of problem
resolution.
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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 a detailed reference manual and a desktop application that replicates the
SiteBook check-in system user interface so that they can navigate Poll Workers through difficult scenarios.
Hotline staff are the primary operators of the ERS and are responsible for categorical reporting of technical
issues, administration issues, supply issues, voter registration, procedural issues and other general
problems that are beyond the capability of a Poll Worker to resolve.
7.2.3 – Election Equipment Recovery
The Facility and Logistics division plans to pick up all election equipment beginning the day after election
day with completion by the following Tuesday of each election. The pickup schedule is designed to
accommodate facilities with specific requirements for immediate equipment removal. Every attempt is
made to collect equipment and materials from every facility as timely and safely as possible, with a return
of all facility rooms and furniture to their original state. Priority after safety is accountability of all
equipment with the highest priority assigned to capital assets which will receive color-coded asset tags.
Secondary priority is the immediate identification of deficiencies or damages that may have occurred
during the election cycle. Finally, all equipment will be cleaned, recorded virtually in the warehouse
management system and re-stowed according to assignment. Printers, laptops, voting equipment and
other passive electronic components will be scheduled for post-election servicing in accordance with
original equipment manufacturer guidance. After inspection and cleaning has been completed the
warehouse team will work in conjunction with the Recorders IT team to initiate repairs and conduct annual
maintenance.
7.3- Jurisdictional Election
The 2024 March Jurisdictional Election will take place on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, for the City of Tempe
and Town of Litchfield Park. Vote Centers will be available within the boundaries for both jurisdictions. The
Town of Litchfield Park will have one Vote Center at The Church at Litchfield Park, and the City of Tempe
will have one location at the Tempe History Museum that can provide voters with both the Jurisdictional
ballot and the Presidential Preference Ballot. The locations will be divided into two sets of check-ins, the
jurisdictional election side of the room will have 4 SiteBooks, 2 Ballot on Demand Printers, and 1 Accessible
Voting Device. The Presidential Preference Election side of the room will also have 4 SiteBooks, 2 Ballot on
Demand Printers, 1 Accessible Voting Device, and the addition of 2 ICP2 Tabulators. Both sides will share
15-20 booths and a Drop Box. Once the Jurisdictional election is closed, that side of the room will transition
into the Presidential Preference Election for the duration of the voting cycle.
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8.0 – Tabulation and Central Count Plan
Maricopa County Election’s Tabulation plan for the 2024 Presidential Preference Election (PPE) outlines
how we will process and count ballots. The factors related to successfully and accurately tabulate votes
include:
•
Verifying that the amount of tabulation equipment is sufficient to accommodate forecasted
turnout
•
Using equipment that meets state and national certification and testing requirements
•
Implementing physical and cyber security measures
•
Securely storing original ballots and creating audit trails
•
Hiring bipartisan central boards to assist with hand count audits, adjudication, duplication and
other tabulation activities
8.1 – Tabulation Approach and Strategy
State statute allows five business days for the processing of provisional ballots and curing of inconsistent
signatures on early ballots (A.R.S. 16-550 and 16-584.D). Our goal is to have 100% of all valid ballots that
did not need curing counted and reported by the end of the cure period on March 26, 2024.
8.1.1 – Efficiency
For the 2024 Presidential Preference Election, 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 – HiPro 821 or Cannon
G1130) if voting by mail, a provisional ballot, at an Early Vote or Emergency Vote Center.
On-Site Vote Center Tabulation
On-site tabulation occurs on Election Day as voters insert their ballot into a tabulator at any Vote Center.
The Elections Department posts these results after 8 p.m. on Election Day as the equipment and results are
returned from each of the Vote Centers. Given the geographic size of the County, it is not unusual for the
final posting of ballots cast on Election Day to occur after midnight. Based on turnout forecasts (section
2.0, page 9), we anticipate 15% - 20% of voters to cast their ballots on Election Day. On Election Day we
could see more than 200,000 ballots cast in-person and another 240,000 early ballots dropped off on
Election Day.
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 four high-speed scanners (HiPro) for tabulation of the Presidential Preference
Election. Observers should note that an additional two high-speed scanners and two central count (Canon)
tabulators will be in use for the March Jurisdictional Election between March 6 and March 18. Based on
quantities achieved during previous election cycles, we determined that we can easily count a total of
300,000 – 350,000 ballots per day during an 8-hour shift.
Based on the turnout forecast completed in Section 2.0 (page 9), we anticipate total early (by mail and in-
person early) voter turnout to be between 650,000 to 700,000 for this Election. We use the higher
estimates to make decisions on central count staffing projections to ensure we can count ballots and report
results timely.
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Timeline
We will use four high-speed scanners (HiPro), with the ability to scale up to an additional four high-speed
scanners and four central count (Canon) tabulators. Using a single eight-hour-shift (six tabulation hours and
1 hour used for reconciliations), a single high-speed scanner has the daily capacity to count approximately
35,000 – 45,000 ballots per-day. These amounts indicate that it will require us between 4 - 5 days to count
ballots if all ballots were received are ready when we begin counting. State statute allows us to start
tabulating early ballots upon receipt and after the statutory required Logic and Accuracy test is compete.
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. We plan to begin tabulation no earlier than
March 11, 2024. This should give us more than enough time to tabulate ballots and complete tabulation
for all ballots not requiring curing by the 5th business day after the election.
As there is a Jurisdictional election occurring on March 12, 2024 for Tempe and Litchfield Park we may be
processing ballots for the Presidential Preference Election and Jurisdictional Election concurrently at certain
points. Included below are key dates for the Presidential Preference Election and Jurisdictional Elections to
illustrate the overlap.
2024 PRESIDENTIAL PREFERECE ELECTION KEY DATES
Date
Description
February 5, 2024
Publish Presidential Preference Election Logic and Accuracy Test Notice (at least
48 hours before test date)
February 13, 2024
Secretary of State’s Office Completes Presidential Preference Election Logic and
Accuracy Test
March 6, 2024
Start Tabulation, Adjudication, and Duplication for March Jurisdictional
March 11, 2024
Start Tabulation, Adjudication, and Duplication for Presidential Preference
Election
March 12, 2024
Election Day for March Jurisdictional, Initial Results Posting at 8PM
March 13 – 18, 2024
March Jurisdictional daily updates reported as needed until Final Results Posted
March 15, 2024
Deadline for March Jurisdictional voters to cure signatures or conditional
provisional ballots
March 19, 2024
Election Day for Presidential Preference Election, Initial Results Posted at 8PM
March 20 – 27, 2024
Presidential Preference Election daily updates reported as needed
March 20, 2024
Hand Count Audit Draw
March 26, 2024
Deadline for Presidential Preference Election voters to cure signatures or
conditional provisional ballots
April 2, 2024
Deadline for Board Approval of PPE Canvass
Adjudication and Duplication Process
When early ballots are damaged, defective, or when voter’s intent is clearly indicated, but can’t be
determined by the tabulation system, we will electronically duplicate and adjudicate the ballot and then
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use 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.
We conservatively estimate that the percent of ballots requiring adjudication will range between 1 - 2%.
Based on turnout forecasts, this would create a range of 8,000 – 17,000 ballots that need to be duplicated
or adjudicated for this Election. Based on the above estimate, we are hiring sufficient staff to perform
adjudication on 2,000- 3,500 ballots per day for this election. Considering the ballot only contains a single
contest, we anticipate a short per ballot adjudication time.
8.1.2 – 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 PPE 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, the Elections Department 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 test is open to observation by representatives of the candidates, political parties, the press,
and the public. Since this election involves a federal office, the Secretary of State is also responsible for
conducting an additional logic and accuracy test on a selected sample of on-site tabulators and accessible
voting equipment, and all central count voting equipment (see A.R.S. § 16-449).
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 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 next portion.
All of the central tabulation equipment will be tested for the Presidential Preference Election. The Secretary
of State will also test a sample of the on-site tabulation equipment, which will be followed by a county test
of equipment to be deployed to vote centers. All tabulation equipment will be tested to ensure it gives
proper errors messages when appropriate and accepts both pre-printed and Ballot-on-demand (BOD)
printed ballots.
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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.
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 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.
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.
1. Windows Login Authentication password
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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: The Elections Department 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.
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 the Elections
Department’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 the
Recorder’s Office and Elections Department’s website.
Paper Ballots and Hand Count Audits
The Elections Department retains the original paper ballot 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,
the Elections Department immediately secures and stores the actual original paper ballots by batch after
tabulation. The ballots are stored in multiple batches of 200 or less 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.
(Left) A network diagram of the County’s Election Management System air gapped network design with no
connections to the internet. (Right) 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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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 Director appoints the 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. The
Elections Departments recruiting efforts include requesting each party provide lists of nominees that will
be considered for appointment to a Central Board.
All persons 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.
8.2 – 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 1 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.
The Elections Department 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 Congressional Districts;
b. The total number of ballots cast;
c. The total number of registered voters eligible for the election;
d. The number of votes for each candidate by congressional district (see A.R.S. 16-249(C))
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9.0 – Risk Management and Contingency Plan
Maricopa County Election’s Risk Management and Contingency Plan for the March 2024 Presidential
Preference Election 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 the Elections Department will identify potential risks, develop strategies
to mitigate risks, and provide for the continuity of voting and tabulation on Election Day.
9.1 – 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 3.2.8, Page 20).
Voting Locations
If a single or small number of voting location(s) experiences an emergency, the Elections Communications
Officer will use social media, traditional media, and other means where possible to advise voters of the
emergency and the nearest Vote Center location until the emergency is resolved. On Election Day,
Maricopa County is providing 145 – 155 Vote Centers that any voter can use in the event that one location
is unavailable.
In conjunction with local public safety authorities, an assessment will be made 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 providing the
information on the revised voting location. Signs will be placed as near as possible to the evacuated
location(s) alerting voters of the relocated voting location, as well as the location of the nearest Vote Center
location and the website address for the complete list of Vote Center locations.
The Division of Recruitment and Training will communicate this information to Inspectors, Trouble Shooters
and/or other Poll Workers. The Elections Department Communications Director will communicate the new
location to the public.
If the emergency is widespread and affects many voting locations, the Elections Department will work with
local authorities to perform an assessment of the situation. We’ll provide timely updates as described in
the Crisis Communications Plan (Section 3.28, page 20).
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If a location loses power, the Maricopa Elections has backup generators, supplemental lighting, and other
emergency supplies that we will dispatch from the Supply Depots for quick response. The Elections
Department has established additional contingencies for long-term, widespread, power outages or cellular
network failures.
•
Sealed Break-in Case of Emergency Kit: This includes emergency voter check-in procedures, blank
paper check-in roster, transfer tickets, and transfer forms.
•
ICX Accessible Voting Device: The device has an uninterrupted back-up power source. The device
is loaded with all ballot styles and available to use as a vote anywhere model in case of an
emergency.
Voting Supplies and Equipment
If a voting location’s supplies or equipment are missing or inoperable, Poll Workers, Trouble Shooters and
Observers will use hotlines to advise the Maricopa County Elections. Replacement supplies and equipment
will be dispatched from one of three Supply Depot locations across the County.
The Elections Department has addressed on-site contingencies with the use of multiple SiteBooks and BOD
printers. All voting locations have at least six SiteBook check-in terminals, one accessible voting device and
a ballot tabulator. Vote Centers also have two ballot-on-demand printers. If other equipment malfunctions,
three Supply Depots across the county contain back-up equipment, which Trouble Shooters and other
technical support staff will deliver.
Central Counting Center
In the event that the MCTEC facility is inoperable on Election Day due to a centralized emergency, 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
allocated based on election night responsibilities and include voting location ballot/supplies receiving,
securing, unpacking, secure ballot storage, tabulation, and the reporting of unofficial elections results.
Staff assigned to early ballot signature verification will relocate to the Recorder’s downtown facility to
continue with that process. Early Ballot Processing, write-in and duplication boards will report to the 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.
The Director of In-Person Voting and Tabulation will notify the Secretary of State (and the chairpersons of
the recognized political parties) if this tabulation contingency plan is invoked.
Poll Worker Absences and Emergencies
The Division for Recruitment & Training is responsible for ensuring that an adequate number of Poll
Workers, including bilingual workers are hired and trained to work Election Day. In addition, we are hiring
10 Poll Workers for each voting location. The hiring of extra Poll Workers will allow us to overcome an
absentee rate of 20-30%.
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If a Poll Worker does not report for work, the Inspector is trained to call the Poll Worker hotline to request
the Elections Department hire and dispatch a replacement worker. If the Inspector does not report, a Judge
will assume temporary Inspector responsibilities of the polling location and call the Hotline for further
instructions, including the request for a replacement Inspector and/or additional workers.
If a Poll Worker becomes ill during Election Day or has a personal emergency, the worker will be allowed to
leave and will be replaced. If a health emergency occurs with a Poll Worker or any other individual in the
voting location, the Inspector is trained to call 911 and then the Poll Worker hotline.
9.2 – Provisions for Extending Voting Hours
In the case of a terrorist attack or natural or man-made disaster, the Director of Election Day and Emergency
Voting will consult with the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office and the
Secretary of State’s Office to determine what action should be taken. The Legislature has not provided the
County nor the courts with the statutory authority to seek an extension of voting hours. Tfhe 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.
9.3 – Emergency Communications and Key Stakeholders
The Crisis Communications Team will be activated and a response plan will be set in action to disseminate
critical information to voters and other key stakeholders. As described in the Crisis Communications Plan
(Section 3.28, page 20) the Director for In-Person Vote and Tabulation or designee will contact the Board
of Supervisors and Secretary of State to apprise them of any emergency and the proposed recovery plan.
The following entities have been identified as key stakeholders and are included in the communication and
escalation plan.
•
Voters
•
Poll Workers
•
Elections Department Staff
•
Board of Supervisors
•
County Recorder
•
News Media
•
Jurisdictions
•
Arizona Secretary of State
•
Political Parties
•
Candidates or Campaigns
•
Maricopa County Attorney
•
Arizona Attorney General
•
Maricopa County Sheriff and other state
and local police
•
Arizona Counter Terrorism Information
Center
•
Maricopa County Department of
Emergency Management
•
FBI
•
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
•
U.S. Attorney’s Office
9.3.1 – Sheriff’s Support
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has assigned specific deputy officers to the Maricopa County Elections in
case of disturbances or emergency at any voting location on Election Day. All Poll Workers are trained to
call the hotline and Sheriff Deputies will be dispatched as needed. All Poll Workers are trained to call 911
in case of immediate and/or life-threatening emergency.
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10.0 – 2024 March Presidential Preference Election Plan Costs
Arizona Statute (see A.R.S. § 16-250) allows counties to seek reimbursement from the Secretary of State
for charges incurred for conducting the Presidential Preference Election. The Secretary of State’s
reimbursement guidance excludes costs associated with ongoing operations (e.g., permanent staff or
investments that will provide a future benefit). Reimbursement is based on the number of active
registered voters within the County as of January 2 of the year of the Presidential Preference Election.
The Secretary of State reimburses Counties at a rate of at least $1.25 per active voters. Based on the
number of registered voters as of 12/22/2023, the County can estimate to receive reimbursement of
approximately $3,014,400 ($1.25 x 2,411,520).
We plan to seek reimbursement for all allowed costs, which are currently budgeted at just over $7.5 million.
The budget details are shown in the table below.
March Presidential Preference Election Budget (FY2024)
Expenditure Description
Sub Total
Total
Staffing
Poll Workers (Vote Centers and Polling Locations)
$1,093,722
Central Board and Other Temporary Workers
$1,660,754
STAR Call Center Temps and Security Services
$190,749
Mileage Reimbursement
35,000
Security Services
$100,000
Staffing Total
$3,080,225
Supplies and Services
Printing/Mailing/Postage Cost of Ballots
$2,937,898
Printing/Mailing/Postage – 90 Day Cards
$90,000
Translation Services
$19,000
Fuel, Temporary Parking Lots, Shuttle Rentals,
Vehicle Rentals, Vote Cener Rentals
$401,859
Vote Center Supplies, Consumables, Other Supplies
& Services (e.g., translation, ballot storage, braille
envelopes)
$290,000
Advertising, Direct Mailers
$700,000
Supplies and Services Total
$4,438,757
Election Total Budget
$7,518,982
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Appendix A – Poll Worker Training Topics
Specific role-based training topics by role and type of voting location are included in the table below.
Topic
Polling Places
Judges /
Inspectors
Marshals
Voter Reg.
clerks
Clerks
Cleaning and Sanitation Guidelines for Safe Voting during COVID-19
X
X
X
X
Hours the voting location will be open
X
X
X
X
ICX Operation
X
X
X
Image Cast Precinct 2 Tabulator Operation
X
X
X
Information specific to the 2024 March Presidential Preference Election
X
X
X
X
Inventorying supplies
X
Issuance of ballot types/styles (political party, FED only, ballot splits, etc.)
X
X
X
X
Mediation/Difficult Conversations
X
X
Monitoring envelope drop-off box
X
X
Nightly closing
X
X
X
X
Opening the voting location
X
X
X
X
Political party observers
X
X
X
X
Poll Worker injuries
X
X
X
X
Poll Workers’ hours
X
X
X
X
Practicing Physical Distancing
X
X
X
X
Preparing the official and unofficial envelope contents
X
Procedures for challenges
X
X
X
X
Procedures for checking identification
X
X
X
X
Proper Use of Required PPE
X
X
X
X
Provisional ballot processing
X
X
X
X
Review of election laws and procedures
X
X
X
X
Signage
X
X
X
X
SiteBook Operation
X
X
X
X
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Appendix A – Poll Worker Training Topics (Continued)
Topic
Polling Places
Judges / Inspectors
Marshals
Voter Reg. clerks
Clerks
Situational Awareness
X
X
X
X
Voter Flow through the Voting Location
X
X
X
X
Spoiled ballot procedures
X
Standard voting procedures
X
X
X
X
Delivery of voted ballots and Tabulator Memory Cards
X
Troubleshooting, including when and how to implement wait-time reduction
and other contingency plans
X
X
X
X
Voting equipment checks, including ensuring that equipment seals have not
been tampered with and verifying equipment is functioning properly
X
X
X
Who may vote in the election
X
X
X
X