For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Lorna Romero Ferguson
[email protected]
Phoenix, AZ— Democracy Defense Project Arizona board members Governor Jan Brewer, Congressman Matt Salmon, former State Rep. Daniel Hernandez and Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines issued the following statement regarding election administration in Maricopa County:
“We stand firmly behind Maricopa County’s dedication to conducting safe, secure, and transparent elections. In light of recent discussions regarding election authority, we recognize the importance of cooperation and clarity in election administration to ensure public trust and integrity.
“Since 2017, there has been a statewide trend of Boards of Supervisors in all 15 Arizona counties reclaiming more of their statutory responsibilities from elected Recorders, resulting in a more direct role in administering elections. This shift reflects an ongoing negotiation between each county’s Board of Supervisors and Recorder, aimed at enhancing efficiency and maintaining high standards of election security.
“We acknowledge that any demand for all election responsibilities to be transferred exclusively to a County Recorder contradicts state and federal law, as well as the established practices of election administration. It is crucial to uphold the collaborative approach that has been in place since 2018, ensuring a balanced distribution of responsibilities that serves the residents of Maricopa County effectively.
“Maricopa County has consistently demonstrated its ability to manage elections securely, leveraging advanced technology and rigorous testing to safeguard the accuracy and integrity of every vote. The County’s commitment to transparency, security, and continuous improvement is evident through proactive measures such as enhanced security protocols and the maintenance of accurate voter registration records.
“We encourage the Maricopa County Recorder to fully re-engage in good faith negotiations with the Board of Supervisors to establish a comprehensive shared services agreement. This collaborative approach has proven successful in the past and is essential for navigating the current environment while maintaining public confidence in our electoral system.”
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More information on the Democracy Defense Project can be found at www.democracydefenseproject.org/az.
Published: Feb 26, 2025
