The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors certified the 2024 election results Thursday.
The close race, with an automatic recount scheduled, begins after a statewide canvass scheduled for Monday.
Supervisors cited the fact that counties had to use two-page ballots this year, which lengthened the election process. Democratic Supervisor Steve Gallardo blamed the Legislature for contributing to the problem by putting several bills on the ballot and changing the law.
“It’s the Legislature, and the Legislature’s notorious wisdom, or lack thereof, continues, and it’s not just the proposals, but over time they’re willing to step in and tinker with the way elections are run. We’re not happy with that, so we’re starting to pass legislation to add it,” Gallardo said.
The canvass passed smoothly without any opposition from any of the supervisors.
They thanked election officials for their hard work in delivering accurate results as quickly as possible and combating misinformation.
Elections Director Scott Jarrett announced in a presentation to the board that this year’s turnout was 80.3%, the second highest since 1980.
Outgoing Republican Supervisor Clint Hickman urged voters to be as willing to stand in line to vote as Taylor Swift fans.
“When you wait in line. Be sure to celebrate. There are plenty of Taylor Swift fans celebrating lining up to get their tickets, and shoe lovers eagerly awaiting the first sale at the Nike Store.” So keep that in mind. . . This is a celebration of patriotism and the civic duty that people died for,” Hickman said.
He also had a message for the next Board of Supervisors, which will be under intense scrutiny during the election.
“Really, the people who are doing this for the next board meeting are being burdened by people who want to do performative politics, people who are going to go on TV and lash out. To help them understand the stress, how much pressure there is.’ Our name and reputation does that,” Hickman said.
Republican Supervisor Thomas Galvin concluded his comments by asking lawmakers to consider making some comments. Change election laws to get results faster. Specifically, he called on the Legislature and the governor to consider moving up the deadline for voters to close early voting.
