PHX Reporter

With the general election about a month away, Maricopa County election officials have begun holding news conferences in order to ensure transparency and answer voter questions before voters go to the polls on Nov. 8.

"For the past year and a half, I’ve tried to be the most transparent elected official possible," Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer said in a news conference on Oct. 4, according to Fox 10 Phoenix. Richer said the point of the press conference was to be sure voters know their election officials are available in light of many criticisms that were levied against county election officials in 2020.

There were "hundreds of myths or inaccuracies about the election process," Scott Jarrett, Maricopa County election director, told Fox 10 Phoenix. "We’ve created a JustTheFacts.vote website where you can find information that debunks those inaccuracies. But really, if you have questions, if you are skeptical of the process, we actually encourage you to get involved, come figure out and learn how we do elections."

Jarrett also said there would be police available to ensure security on election day.

"The sheriff's office will have personnel that will be deployed throughout the county that can respond to any issues that we may encounter through the election process," he said, according to Fox 10 Phoenix.

Early vote centers will have phased openings beginning Wednesday, Oct. 12, and voters will be able to track their ballot after it is submitted online.

"I made it my commitment at the beginning of my term as chair, that this will be the most transparent election in the history of Maricopa County, and that’s what it is, and it will be," Bill Gates, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, told Fox 10 Phoenix.

A "ballot logic and accuracy test" was planned to be live-streamed for the public with members from all political parties present.

"The reason that we’ve stood up this command structure is in the interest of further transparency," Gates said. "We want to get out ahead of the misinformation and the disinformation that might be spread out there and instead be here to answer your questions. We’ve got to make sure that people understand the truth, the facts. That’s our role here."