MARICOPA COUNTY, Arizona – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to approve an independent review of the county’s election equipment and processes.

After years of allegations of confusion, threats and fraud, leaders from Arizona’s largest county have launched a comprehensive review to ensure election procedures are efficient and follow state laws.

County officials said the review will focus on determining whether “malicious code” is in the county’s election system or whether the device is “internet-connected.”

“This is a big deal,” said board president Thomas Galvin, how the county should “not try to do better” “that should not be under the glory.”

The county’s supervisor said he was “excited” to audit the county’s election process and was “excited” to find issues that need to be addressed.

“There’s nothing to hide in Maricopa County,” Galvin said.

In a unanimous vote, the Republican-controlled board allowed reviews to spend up to $480,000. The agenda items for the February 26 meeting do not specify which companies will conduct their reviews.

The county received public criticism following election results in 2020 and 2022, when multiple Democrats acquired competitive races.

Republican lawmakers have engaged in months-long reviews of Maricopa County votes following the close 2020 victory in Arizona. The results of that review were still determined that Biden had won.

County leaders have defended election procedures for the past few years, with some supervisors being targeted by violent threats.

Related: 2.1 million people in Maricopa County voted, early data shows

Related: Arizona AG Brnovich condemns state’s unfounded election fraud claims

Related: Election fraud claims are swirling in Arizona. 12News Fact-Checks 3

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