Maricopa County is making it easier for voters to choose how and when they want to vote in the Primary Election.
Today, Maricopa County Elections Department launched an online portal that allows Maricopa County voters to request a one-time ballot in the mail or sign up for the Permanent Early Voting List at Request.Maricopa.Vote.
Previously, Maricopa County voters could only sign up for the Permanent Early Voting List with a paper form or online at ServiceArizona.com, a process designed for registering new voters. Now registered voters have another option customized to meet their needs.
“Today more than ever, we understand voters need flexibility when it comes to the ways they vote,” said Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes. “This new online portal provides another option for voters who want to plan ahead for the August Primary Election.”
With potentially historic voter turnout, the county is prepared for more than 700,000 voters to cast a ballot in the Primary Election. Prior to COVID-19, election models estimated about 100,000 of those voters would turnout on Election Day.
“The August Primary Election is likely to be the largest, most significant in-person event since Governor Doug Ducey instituted stay at home orders,” said Scott Jarrett, Maricopa County Director of Election Day and Emergency Voting. “Given the impact of COVID-19, it is critical that Maricopa County provide voters with a safe and secure Primary Election. In addition to voting by mail at home, we are opening the polls early and on weekends to allow voters time to cast a ballot.”
The election plan under consideration would move Maricopa County to an all Vote Center election model for the Primary Election, complimented by 10-14 days of in-person voting and a focus on educating voters on the option to vote by mail at home for just this election or permanently.
All voting locations will be large enough to allow physical distancing. We will also implement additional heightened safety measures, designed in consultation with the County Health Department. Some of these safety protocols include requiring poll workers to wear facemasks, frequent disinfecting and cleaning of high touch surfaces, issuing gloves to voters, and providing facilities for hand washing.
The online portal, expanded in-person voting, and increased safety measures at all polling locations are part of the Elections Department’s comprehensive plan to provide voters with safe and accessible voting options for the August 4 Primary Election.
Voters can find personalized election information at BeBallotReady.Vote.