Maricopa County Prepares Enhanced Security, Including Drones and Snipers, for Ballot Counting

The ballot counting facility is equipped with razor wire, substantial black iron fencing, metal detectors, armed security personnel, and bomb sweeps. The security measures at this location, where ballots are processed, are comparable to those found at an airport or a correctional institution. Furthermore, contingency plans exist to escalate security, if necessary, by deploying drones, mounted officers, and police snipers positioned on rooftops. Maricopa County emerged as a focal point for election conspiracy theories during the 2020 presidential election, following Donald Trump’s dissemination of unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud after his defeat to Joe Biden in the state by a margin of under 11,000 votes. Misinformation rapidly circulated, armed demonstrators converged on the building where ballots were being tabulated, and numerous lawsuits and audits sought to contest the outcomes. The repercussions of that election fundamentally altered the approach officials in this area take towards the usually routine task of ballot counting, initiating a period of heightened security. Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner informed the BBC, “We do treat this like a major event, like the Super Bowl.” Skinner stated that the county, which ranks as the fourth most populous in the US and contains approximately 60% of Arizona’s electorate, has been preparing for the election for over a year. The sheriff’s department is responsible for security at both polling places and the ballot tabulation center. Deputies have now received training in election laws, a subject typically unfamiliar to most law enforcement personnel. Regarding intensified security measures such as drones and snipers, he commented, “Our hope is that it doesn’t arise to a level of need for that.” He added, “But we will be prepared to ensure that we meet the level of need, to ensure the safety and security of that building” and its employees. The electoral procedure in this location largely mirrors those in other counties nationwide. Ballots are submitted at various voting sites throughout the county before being transported to a central facility in Phoenix for tabulation. Mailed ballots undergo inspection and signature verification. Their counting follows a precise method involving two employees, representing different political affiliations, who sort them and check for discrepancies. This entire process is broadcast live continuously, 24 hours daily. Although a significant portion of this procedure is unchanged, numerous other aspects have evolved. Following the 2020 election, new legislation was enacted to simplify the initiation of a recount within the state. Previously, a recount would be triggered if a contest was determined by a narrow difference of 0.1% of votes cast. This threshold has now been increased to 0.5%. The ballot tabulation center is currently equipped with an abundance of security cameras, armed guards, and a dual layer of fencing. Substantial canvas coverings obscure sections of the parking lot’s perimeter to deter unwanted observation. According to officials, the canvas serves as an additional safeguard to shield employees from harassment and threats outside the premises. Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates remarked, “I think it is sad that we’re having to do these things.” Gates, a Republican who reported a PTSD diagnosis following election-related threats in the 2020 election, intends not to seek re-election after the current election concludes, citing the prevailing tensions. He conveyed to the BBC, “I do want people to understand that when they go to vote centres, these are not militarised zones.” He added, “You can feel safe to go there with your family, with your kids and participate in democracy.” Since 2020, the county has allocated millions of dollars. This investment extends beyond security, as they now employ a 30-person communications team. A primary emphasis has been placed on transparency, demonstrated by livestreaming extensive tests of tabulation machines, providing numerous public tours of their facilities, and assigning personnel to counter online rumors and election conspiracy theories. Assistant county manager Zach Schira informed the BBC, “We kind of flipped a switch,” elaborating that subsequent to 2020, they resolved, “OK, we’re going to communicate about every single part of this process, we’re going to debunk every single theory that is out there.” All these preparations culminate in Tuesday’s election. Sheriff Skinner stated, “We may be over prepared,” adding, “but I’d rather prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” Certain Maricopa Republicans conveyed to the BBC that they have observed recent modifications and anticipate fewer issues during this election cycle. Garrett Ludwick, a 25-year-old present at a recent Scottsdale rally for Trump’s vice-presidential running mate JD Vance, commented, “They’ve made steps that I think will help.” He further remarked, while wearing a Trump cap emblazoned with “Make liberals cry”, “More people are also aware of things now and I think there are going to be a lot of people watching everything like a hawk.” A Republican voter named Edward informed the BBC that the 2020 election cycle prompted him to become more engaged. He has now committed to two shifts at polling sites in Maricopa County for Tuesday. He stated, “Going to a rally or being upset isn’t going to fix things.” He concluded, “I wanted to be part of the solution.” However, not everyone is persuaded. Maleesa Meyers, 55, expressed, “I still think it was rigged,” articulating, similarly to some Republican voters, that her skepticism in the process is too ingrained to accept that the election could be equitable. She added, “It’s very hard to trust anyone today.” Election outcomes in Arizona frequently depend on Maricopa County, thereby granting the county a disproportionate influence on the final result. Local officials project that tabulating all ballots could extend for up to 13 days, implying that the anticipated close contest in this swing state may not be decided on election night. Schira, the assistant county manager, remarked, “There’s a chance that in 2024, the whole world will be watching for what the result is in Maricopa County.” He concluded, “Truly the world’s confidence in democracy could come down to this.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.