PHX Reporter

Maricopa County Elections Director Scott Jarrett says plans are in place for Election Day to go smoothly, adding that there are protections in place to ensure there is no fraud.

The County will have 223 Voting Centers, 48 more than in 2020, according to a story by AZ Family. Jarrett said he feels things will go smoothly.

"There are checks and balances throughout the entire process,” Jarrett said in the release. “We’re always thinking about potentially, what could go wrong, but then because we do that, we identify solutions, and create contingency after contingency.”

If anything, Jarrett said, the main concern that will need to be addressed will be simply helping voters get where they need to be. Voters can go to any location to fill out their ballots, he added.

“One of the most common complaints from voters is, I’m showing up to a voting location and not being in the right place,” Jarrett said. “Poll workers have to work with them, pulling up a map of voting locations to find the right precinct.”

He added that all involved in the political process are helping ensure a fair election.

“We’ve established great partnerships with county political parties, Republicans, Democrats and Libertarians, and they play a critical role in providing oversight,” Jarrett said.

Jarrett also cautioned against listening to those who say every vote should be counted on Election Day.

“There’s no state in the country that as all votes counted on Election Day,” he said. “Maricopa County has never had all votes counted on Election Day.”

As for complaints of voter intimidation, Jarrett warned that anyone who planned to interfere with another voter should think again.

“You can't obstruct their path to a voting location, shouldn’t be yelling and you should not be intimidating them from being able to cast their vote,” Jarrett said. “We also have a great partnership with local law enforcement, so if there is a situation, we can call them, and they will provide assistance.”