Republican candidate for secretary of state in Arizona to bring her own pen to vote

PHOENIX — Earlier this week, a Republican candidate for secretary of state in Arizona Shawnna Bolick said she is bringing her own pen to vote in-person in the election primaries.

“I talked to an inspector and he told me that it’s bleeding through in his precinct, so I decided I can bring my own pen if I want to,” Bolick told the Gaydos and Chad Show on KTAR News 92.3 FM Friday. “I want to make sure that my vote is actually counted properly.”

She said after speaking with other elections officials in the state, such as Pima County officials, many have said they don’t care what is used to vote, so long as it isn’t a red pen or highlighter.

But the newest secretary of state for Arizona will be tasked with instilling voter confidence in elections.

Bolick’s decision has potential to do the opposite.

Her choice to use her own pen comes after election officials announced they would be handing out Pentel brand felt-tip pens on Election Day, as there’s less bleed-through on ballot paper.

For those wanting to vote with their own personal black or blue pen, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer said they will not be turned away. However, he encourages voters to use the ones provided.

“Just as we tell voters they shouldn’t use red pens, shouldn’t use pencil,  shouldn’t use crayons, we are telling voters that — to help us ensure an accurate and smooth election — you should use the Pentel pen if you are voting in-person on election day,” Richer told The Associated Press in an email.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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