Phoenix (AZ Family) — Maricopa County officials held a press conference in downtown Phoenix early Tuesday afternoon to encourage all voters to vote early to save time and avoid long lines on Nov. 5.

More than 400,000 people have voted early in Maricopa County, and 12 voting centers are currently open.

The number of locations will increase to 51 on Friday. 246 voting centers will be open on Election Day.

County officials said they are investing in more counting machines in anticipation of delays.

For the first time since 2006, the Valley’s ballot has two pages: front and back.

That’s why county officials are encouraging people to vote early.

“And the great thing is, we have multiple options for how to vote early,” said Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates.

County officials said they will hire more than 4,000 election workers and add 10% more polling places this election to speed up the counting process.

“When people vote on their two-page ballots, we want them to have the proper training so that they have the checks and balances they need to make that process go as smoothly as possible,” said Jennifer Liewer of the Maricopa newspaper. “We wanted to see if it was,” said Jennifer Liewer of the Maricopa newspaper. County Elections Department.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has also increased security to ensure the safety of voters and election workers. Arizona has been plagued by election conspiracy theories and intimidation in past election years. MCSO said voter intimidation and violence will not be tolerated.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to have this discussion, but that’s why we owe it to everyone running for office in Arizona and across the country to make it clear that this language, this violent language, is unacceptable. I think so,” Gates said.

For Phoenix area voting center and election information, visit Click/tap here.

According to Maricopa County statistics, the average number of votes cast this year is 79.

There are 265 contests on all ballots, including 144 elected offices, 76 ballot measures, and 45 pending judgeships.

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