On October 23, 2019, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a new elections operations agreement, which outlines specific ways the Board of Supervisors and Recorder’s Office will share responsibilities for planning and executing elections in the nation’s fastest-growing county. The agreement amends a 65-year-old charter that provided the Recorder nearly all county elections responsibilities. The new agreement makes possible bipartisan oversight to ensure Maricopa County elections are run smoothly, efficiently and with integrity.
Under the agreement and in accordance with state law, the Recorder is responsible for voter registration and early voting, while the Board is responsible for Election Day, which includes polling place locations and poll worker training. The Board of Supervisors and Recorder’s Office have also prioritized efficiencies that come from shared duties, with an eye on processes that improve the voter experience, expediting election results, and enhancing integrity.
READ THE ELECTIONS OPERATIONS AGREEMENT
Since taking a more active role in the Elections Department earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors has made the following key changes:
- Hiring a Director of Election Day and Emergency Voting, Scott Jarrett, who reports directly to the Board of Supervisors. Jarrett works collaboratively with the Director of Elections Services and Early Voting, Rey Valenzuela, who reports to the County Recorder, to ensure voters have a smooth experience in the November 2019 election and beyond.
- Doubling Elections Department staff to more than 50 employees
- Investing $6.1 million to upgrade the County’s vote tabulation technology
In 2020, residents can expect to see a redesigned Elections Department website that will provide all election information and services in one, easily accessible place: Maricopa.Vote.