Our information line is staffed with call takers to assist with questions from finding a location, to returning an early ballot, or even how to get help completing a ballot if they are unable.”

Erika Flores, Maricopa County Elections deputy director of communications

Maricopa County Elections office
510 S. Third Ave.
Phoenix, AZ
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By Jennifer Jimenez
Twitter: @SCW_Independent

Early voting began in Arizona July 8 for the August primary with locations in the Sun Cities set to open either July 22 or 29.

Voting in-person will not be the same as in years past, simply due to CDC guidelines of maintaining 6 feet of physical distancing and ensuring the health and safety of poll workers and voters.

The Happy Trails Resort, 17200 W. Bell Rd., closed to public services and canceled as a voting location, according to Maricopa County Elections Deputy Director of Communications Erika Flores, which was a site near the Sun Cities, but three actual locations remain within the boundaries.

R.H. Johnson Recreation Center Social Hall, 19803 N. R.H. Johnson Blvd. open July 29 with Mountain View Recreation Center, 9749 N. 107th Ave., and Radiant Church Sun City, 10701 W Boswell Blvd. opening July 22.

Ms. Flores said the Maricopa County Elections Department is happy to assist any voters with election questions, by calling 602-506-1511.

“Our information line is staffed with call takers to assist with questions from finding a location, to returning an early ballot, or even how to get help completing a ballot if they are unable,”  she explained.

Voters will need to bring their identification card such as a driver’s license to vote in person. Other acceptable identifications an be found at getid.maricopa.vote.

“We are also encouraging voters to wear a mask when visiting a voting location. If a voter does not have a mask we will have them available,” Ms. Flores said.

According to the Maricopa County Elections Department website, more than 1.3 million ballots were sent to voters on the Permanent Early Voting List.

Additionally, independent voters are eligible to participate in the August Primary Election, but must make a ballot choice at beballotready.vote or at a vote center. Registered voters have until July 24 to request a ballot by mail at beballotready.vote.

“We’re proud to serve more than 75 percent of Maricopa County voters through our mail-in ballot option, while still being able to provide voters with in-person voting options in large spaces that have increased safety measures,” Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said.

In-person voters can expect to see locations large enough to allow for physical distancing. Since the county is moving to a “vote anywhere” vote center election model, voters can choose the time and location that works for them, including some evenings and weekends. Locations are open until August 4.

Enhanced safety protocols are in place including all poll workers required to wear masks, face shields and gloves, as well as frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces and sanitizing pens after each use. The plan to expand voting access by the Maricopa County Elections Department allows for increased access to voting by mail, increased access to voting by mail and more location openings and options.

Vote centers are opening through a phased approach and can be found at locations.maricopa.vote.

Jennifer Jimenez
Reporter | Sun City West
@SCW_Independent

jjimenez@iniusa.org

I am passionate about sports and community writing and shining the light on positivity, while delivering the facts. I have been with the Independent team for five months, but in the game for 15 years. I am a proud Grand Canyon University alumni. Born and raised in Peoria, I also am blessed to have a street named after me called Jennifer Rose Court.