Officials said about 30,000 voters showed up in person in Maricopa County on Election Day.
PHOENIX — Maricopa County election leaders are pleased with the results of Tuesday's presidential preference election.
Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates said the state's largest county received about 540,000 early ballots and about 30,000 voters showed up to vote in person Tuesday. As of Tuesday night, the number of early votes cast on Election Day was not yet available.
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By the time the first results were announced at 8 p.m., Maricopa County had counted all early votes.
“It could be over 40%. Overall, I think this is pretty good participation,” Gates said. “Over the past few cycles, a lot has been said about the challenges of our elections. But one of the real bright lights we've had is the high turnout and whether these are actually Considering the fact that it wasn't a competitive primary, I would still say that's a pretty good turnout. ”
See the changes caused by printer issues in 2022
Tuesday marked the first official confirmation of the improvements made after the 2022 election.
In 2022, printer issues affected some voting centers in Maricopa County. A study conducted by former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ruth McGregor found that some older printing machines did not print ballots with dark enough ink, so field tabulation machines could not print them. It was concluded that it could not be read. Instead, the ballots were taken back to the Maricopa County Election Center and counted there.
Although all legal votes were successfully counted, the issue caused some voter dissatisfaction.
In response to McGregor's investigation, the county purchased new printers, added proactive testing and purchased new high-speed tabulation machines.
RELATED: Maricopa County launches independent investigation into election paper issues
Gates said Tuesday there were no problems, including with the printer.
“This election was really great and went very smoothly. I can't really point out any particular problems. Basically, there were hardly any lines all day long. Still, 30,000 people came to vote in person. It's a big deal.'' It's really a testament to the team and Maricopa County elections,'' Gates said.
In the hours after polls close on Tuesday, memory cards from each vote center will be taken to the Maricopa County Tabulation and Elections Center (MCTEC), where results will be updated throughout the night. The next vote total update will then occur on Thursday.
Gates said his staff will meet after Tuesday's election to discuss what went well and any unforeseen challenges in preparation for the July primary and subsequent November general election.
“We're always learning something, and from 2022 there are some changes that you're all familiar with, so this is an opportunity for everyone to see it in action. And I can say that we are very satisfied. I think we can do it.''On behalf of my colleagues on the Oversight Committee and Recorder Richer, we are all very pleased with today's results. I would like to say that I am satisfied,” Gates said.
Security at MCTEC continues to be a top priority this year. The building was fenced off on Tuesday, with multiple security checkpoints and metal detectors inside. Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputies also patrolled the outside of the building.
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