More than 400,000 people have cast their vote out of an estimated voter turnout in Maricopa County of 2.1 million.
COUNTY, Arizona — With the election just two weeks away, attention is focused on Arizona due to the expected competitive races. Election officials in Maricopa County are requesting patience from the public as the vote counting process may extend from 10 to 13 days, attributed to the unusually lengthy ballots and heightened voter engagement this year, according to Deputy Elections Director Jennifer Liewer.
Liewer emphasized the importance of a secure and accurate tabulation process, stating, "We do expect that it will take between 10 and 13 days to complete tabulation of all of the ballots that come in, but we ask for the community's patience." The increased interest in the 2024 election, coupled with the two-page ballot featuring an average of 79 contests, has led officials to advocate for early voting, as noted by Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates. Currently, over 2.1 million votes are anticipated, with 400,000 ballots already submitted in the county.
To facilitate a smooth election process, officials are enhancing staffing levels, deploying additional high-speed tabulators, and promoting in-person voting on Election Day instead of early ballot drop-offs. Scott Jarrett, the Maricopa County elections director, remarked on the recent uptick in voter turnout, indicating that while there has been a slight lag compared to 2020, the trend is improving, and he expects numbers to approach those of the previous election.
"My primary message to voters today is clear: the extended ballots and increased engagement in the upcoming 2024 general election will likely result in longer wait times at polling places, and that is acceptable," stated Assistant Maricopa County Manager Zach Schira. "However, to minimize your waiting time and bypass these lines, I encourage you to consider early voting, whether in person or via mail. This approach will not only save you time but also assist us in delivering more timely results on election night."
"It is important for voters to understand that the combination of longer ballots and heightened interest in the 2024 general election may lead to increased lines on election day, which is a manageable situation," Assistant Maricopa County Manager Zach Schira emphasized. "To enhance your voting experience and reduce delays, I recommend taking advantage of early voting options, either in person or by mail. This will facilitate a smoother process and enable us to provide more comprehensive results on the night of the election."
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