Maricopa County officials authorize 2 independent election reviews

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized funding for two independent election reviews on Wednesday.

“We are united in our belief that Maricopa County administers free and fair elections,” Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee said in a press release. “However, I believe this comprehensive review will give voters more confidence and ultimately strengthen American democracy.”

The board voted to adjust the 2025 budget by $400,000 for a comprehensive review of election department procedures and $80,000 for a review of the technology used to conduct elections.

The Maricopa County Internal Audit Department will select a third-party contractor or contractors to conduct the reviews. The Board of Supervisors won’t have any influence on the selection process.

What will Maricopa County election reviews cover?

The comprehensive review will examine aspects of the election system that have prompted confusion, concern and unfounded allegations of fraudulent activity, including physical security, chain of custody and the tabulation process.

“I hear it every day from friends and neighbors. They want a government that operates in plain view, that’s accountable to the people and that jumps at the opportunity to get better,” Supervisor Mark Stewart said. “That’s what this comprehensive review is about, and I’m excited that we are moving forward with it on behalf of voters.”

The technology review will determine if the equipment used to count ballots during the 2024 election cycle was tampered with or could be connected to the internet.

“The last in-depth review of our tabulation equipment was completed in 2021, and the county has replaced and upgraded many components of our tabulation equipment,” said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, the five-member board’s only Democrat. “Since we have an off cycle with only smaller jurisdictional audits, now is the right time to perform another in-depth review.”

The technology audit will be finished this summer, while parts of the comprehensive review will be done in the fall. It’s not clear how long the rest of the comprehensive review will take.

When the findings are available, the Board of Supervisors will release them without revisions.

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