Gira County Election Updates
Gira County – It’s common to see unfounded rumors and speculation springing up after elections, much like those old campaign signs that seem to linger long after the votes are counted.
Fortunately, local election officials from the Gira County Recorder’s office and election division are stepping up to address the misinformation that often seems to flourish in the immediate aftermath of elections.
Election Director Eric Mariscal and Gila County Recorder Sady Bingham have gathered some of the rampant false claims circulating and provided clarifications.
Claim:
“The Recorder’s office and the election department have now allowed us to vote after 7pm to change our vote.”
Error:
The Recorder’s office was operational on Election Day from 6am to 7pm, assisting voters throughout the day. After 7pm, while the office closed to the public, staff continued to process early and provisional votes received on Election Day.
Mariscal and his team have been posting the election results since midnight, ensuring transparency.
Claim:
“All votes must be counted and tallied on Election Day.”
Error:
It’s important to note that early votes can still be counted on Election Day, but provisional votes cast then need verification before inclusion. Votes sent by mail are also tracked by the Recorder’s office. Because of these processes, not every vote can be counted on election night.
Claim:
“We’re still waiting for 2,700 votes to count.”
Error:
That figure is misleading. There were about 2,700 early votes received prior to Election Day, through various channels. These early votes won’t be processed until the voting concludes, which helps prevent duplicate voting.
The early votes were transferred to the Election Bureau on Wednesday, along with around 50 verified interim votes.
Rest assured, all votes are accounted for.
Claim:
“The election division is responsible for elections for all cities and towns.”
Error:
Actually, each city and town has its own filing officer that essentially contracts Gira County as a provider.
Claim:
“Two cameras in the election room were turned off on election night.”
Error:
No such outages were reported. The cameras remain functional, and the challenge period will last at least another two weeks.
Claim:
“Independents could not vote.”
Error:
This is incorrect. Independents can indeed vote; Recorder Sadie Bingham has clarified this repeatedly across various platforms.
Independents have the option to vote for either Republican, Democrat, or nonpartisan candidates.
Claim:
“The report is not accurate. They still show informal results.”
Error:
The results shared are official, as confirmed by the Gila County Board of Supervisors during a special meeting where the election was unanimously certified.
Claim:
“The initial votes were not counted and the signatures were not verified.”
Error:
All verified initial votes are counted, including early voting signatures.
Claim:
“You don’t need to vote early on your ID.”
Error:
An ID is indeed required for voting early or on Election Day at polling places.
Claim:
“We didn’t have 1,000 votes.”
Error:
This claim isn’t true; the processes have been clearly explained.
Question:
“Why are we considering it?”
Answer:
Because it is mandated by Arizona law.
Claim:
“The election department must order a court order to discuss the vote.”
That last statement is correct.
For specific results regarding the Gila County Primary, you can visit:
gilacountyaz.gov/government/elections
This site includes comprehensive resources on elections, including campaign finance details, candidate submission info, and volunteer opportunities for the upcoming November general election. There’s also information about initiatives, referendums, and recalls.
Another valuable resource can be found here:
gilacountyaz.gov/government/recorder
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