The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved a contract with BerryDunn to conduct an independent review of the county’s election processes. The scope of the review will cover chain of custody, physical security, candidate filing compliance, temporary worker hiring and training, Vote Center selection and setup, and the use of ballot drop boxes.
Chairman Thomas Galvin of District 2 stated, “We run free, fair, and efficient elections in Maricopa County, but as I promised when I became Chairman in January, a comprehensive review will help to make our impressive elections even better. BerryDunn is a proven leader in government auditing, and this comprehensive independent review will enable us to tighten up processes and procedures so we can continue to administer best-in-class elections for Maricopa County’s 2.6 million registered voters.”
Vice Chair Kate Brophy McGee from District 3 added, “Maricopa County elections have been under a bright, nationwide spotlight for five years, and we welcome this audit. I am confident we have solid systems and processes in place to serve Maricopa County voters. We welcome the opportunity to improve, and that’s what this comprehensive review is all about.”
A team of professional auditors working with the Maricopa County Internal Audit Department evaluated five proposals before recommending BerryDunn for its experience in governmental compliance auditing. According to county procurement rules, board members did not participate in the evaluation process.
Supervisor Debbie Lesko from District 4 said, “I have pushed for an audit of our election procedures and processes since I was sworn into office. I am very pleased that the Board of Supervisors voted to hire a nationally reputable audit firm to review the Maricopa County elections system. It is very important that voters in Maricopa County have faith in our elections system. With this audit we will find out what is being done right and what needs reform.”
Supervisor Steve Gallardo from District 5 commented on public concerns: “This isn’t for the conspiracy theorists or the unhinged election deniers—we’re never going to reach them. This review is for people of good faith who have questions about how Maricopa County elections work, who want to have a good experience when they vote and know their ballot is being handled with care. I know all of us on the Board are looking forward to finding out how we can serve voters even better.”
BerryDunn previously assisted internal auditors following issues related to the August 2018 Primary Election; however, officials say changes since then should prevent redundant work during this new review.
The contract extends through June 30, 2026; some findings may be available by Fall 2025. The Board plans to release BerryDunn’s findings publicly without edits or revisions. A separate assessment will address election equipment and technology.
All information related to this election review process will be made available online at Maricopa.gov/2025ElectionReview.
In other areas affecting local residents such as education outcomes: In recent years Maricopa County has reported low proficiency rates among students. For example, only about one-third (36%) of students in grades three through eight passed mathematics on statewide assessments during the 2023-24 school year (source). Similarly,33.9% of high schoolers passed the mathematics section on their ACTs during that same period.
