With deadline near, Arizona elections boss advises getting mail-in ballot

PHOENIX – In an effort to reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 coronavirus at polling places, Arizona’s top elections official recommended that voters request mail-in ballots for the Democratic presidential preference election, just hours before the deadline to do so.

The recommendation was announced by Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs around 9:30 a.m. Friday. Requests for mail-in ballots must be made by 5 p.m.

“My goal is to make sure voters are able to cast their ballots in a manner that is safe and meaningful to them,” Hobbs said in a press release. “Arizona has a number of ways people can make their voices heard.”

Requests can be made by visiting My.Arizona.Vote or calling your county recorder’s office.

The Secretary of State's Office is encouraging all voters call their County Recorder or visit https://t.co/pGe99IEoH7 to request a ballot-by-mail by TODAY's 5 p.m. deadline, if you haven’t already. This gives you an option to vote by mail for the PPE & avoid Election Day crowds. pic.twitter.com/4h1UNIfCg3

— Secretary Katie Hobbs (@SecretaryHobbs) March 6, 2020

“This will ensure voters have an option to vote by mail and avoid Election Day crowds,” Hobbs said.

Hobbs said her office has been in contact with state and county officials as well as the Arizona Department of Health Services while preparing for the upcoming election, including making backup plans to make sure there are enough poll workers on Election Day.

The state’s Democratic primary election will be held March 17. Early voting began Feb. 19. People on the permanent early voting list were automatically sent mail-in ballots.

People not on the list can receive a mail-in ballot, but only if they request one before the deadline.

In-person early voting is also available through March 13 at voting centers.

For those who do vote by mail, ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Election Day. Officials are advising to mail them by March 11 to ensure they arrive in time to count.

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