Ballot Processing

Early Ballot Processing

How are ballots-by-mail verified?

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.

When are early ballots counted?

County election officials can start counting early ballots immediately upon receipt. A.R.S § 16-550(B).

How do I check the status of my early ballot?

Visit my.arizona.vote and click on "Your Voter Info."

What happens if the tabulator can't read my early ballot?

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 2019 Elections Procedures Manual.

County Live Streams

For any statewide, county, or legislative election, the County Recorder or officer in charge of elections shall provide for a live video recording of the custody of all ballots while the ballots are present in a tabulation room in the counting center.

County Live Streams