Ballot Processing
Early Ballot Processing
Early ballots can be mailed back or returned in-person at official drop boxes or voting locations. Before tabulating the ballot, the signature on the affidavit envelope is compared to signatures on file for the voter. Examples of signatures come from documents including MVD records, voter registration forms, or previous early ballots. When signatures match, the ballot will be counted. If election officials have questions about the signature, they contact the voter to confirm the validity of the signature. Sometimes the voter may have to provide additional information to verify their signature. A.R.S. § 16-552.
County election officials can start counting early ballots immediately upon receipt. A.R.S § 16-550(B).
Visit my.arizona.vote and click on "Your Voter Info."
Stray marks, torn paper, and water are some ways ballots might be damaged. Damaged ballots are reviewed by multiple election workers from different political parties to make sure every eligible vote is counted. A.R.S § 16-621(A).
For more information about early ballot processing, see Chapter 2 of the Elections Procedures Manual.
County Live Streams
For any statewide, county, or legislative election, the County Recorder or officer in charge of elections shall provide a live video recording of the custody of all ballots while the ballots are present in a tabulation room in the counting center.