All ballots have been counted in Maricopa County for the August 4 Primary Election.
The breakdown:
- 2,431,029 eligible voters
- 860,704 ballots cast
- 35.4% turnout
During a pandemic, more Maricopa County voters participated in the 2020 August Primary Election than ever before. In the 2018 Primary, voters cast 699,636 ballots and in the 2016 Primary, voters cast 555,844 ballots.
“Our priority has always been the safety of voters while maintaining the security and integrity of the election. In the face of a global pandemic, Maricopa County was able to serve an historic number of voters,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “We implemented safety measures for in-person voters and informed voters of all their options. This successful election was capped off with results counted quicker than ever before thanks to the new tabulation equipment we invested in last year.”
The Maricopa County Elections Department expanded in-person voting options, with safety measures in place, and made it easier for voters to request a one-time ballot by mail or sign up for the Permanent Early Voting List. The Elections Department and the Recorder’s Office ran a robust voter education campaign to inform Maricopa County voters of their options to participate in the August Primary.
Not only did the county see historic primary participation, but most voters also participated early, either by mail or in-person, including on evenings and weekends. Voters were also able to vote at any of the 99 Vote Centers open across the county on Election Day in spaces large enough to allow for physical distancing.
“Maricopa County’s vote-by-mail system is safe, secure and the most popular option among our voters. Over 800,000 early ballots were cast in this historic August Primary Election,” said Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes. “We are pleased with this strong voter turnout and look forward to continuing to increase access with options that provide voters with more opportunities to engage in their elections.”
The Elections Department worked with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health to implement enhanced safety protocols at the Vote Centers, including physical distancing, requiring poll workers to wear masks, face shields and gloves, and frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces and sanitizing pens after each use. Masks and gloves were also available for all voters.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors will officially canvass the election on August 14 at 9:30 a.m. The canvass certifies that all ballots cast are accounted for and ensures that every valid vote cast is included in the final election results. Watch online here or on Maricopa County’s YouTube page.