This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access.
In Arizona’s Mohave County, a significant decision looms over the upcoming election. The county, which has consistently leaned Republican, is set to implement a new type of ballot paper embedded with advanced security features. This move follows a series of tests and discussions aimed at bolstering voter confidence in the electoral process.
Last year, Mohave County officials proposed adopting Ballot Guard, a ballot paper with unique security elements like watermarks and microprinting, with the hope of enhancing election integrity. However, initial tests revealed that the paper caused tabulator malfunctions, including paper jams and errors, leading to reruns of ballots. This posed potential risks of delayed results and inaccurate counts, as explained by Elections Director Allen Tempert.
Despite early setbacks, subsequent testing showed improved results, leading county supervisors to unanimously approve the use of Ballot Guard in future elections. Tempert expressed confidence in this decision, stating, “It works well,” and conveyed comfort with the board’s choice.
Historical Context and Current Developments
The drive to secure ballots in Arizona with identifiable marks stems from conspiracy theories post-2020 Presidential election. Allegations of counterfeit ballots from Asia led to increased scrutiny and calls for enhanced security measures. Although no evidence supported these claims, they fueled legislative efforts to mandate security features on ballots, efforts that have repeatedly failed.
While states like California and Georgia have adopted watermarking on ballots, Mohave County is the first to utilize Ballot Guard. The county hopes this move will set a precedent for others, potentially influencing how ballots are secured statewide.
Travis Lingenfelter, Board Chair, emphasized the importance of this initiative in restoring trust in election results among constituents. He noted that the county’s contract with Runbeck Election Services allows other counties, including populous Maricopa, to follow their lead if Ballot Guard proves successful.
Financial Implications and Testing Results
Currently, Mohave County incurs no additional costs for using Ballot Guard, thanks to a transfer of unused paper from Cochise County. However, potential future costs could see an increase in election expenses by 2028, a concern given the county’s budget constraints.
Testing revealed initial challenges with the new paper, including higher rates of multi-feed and pick errors compared to standard paper. However, adjustments and retesting showed improvements, with error rates dropping to manageable levels, according to officials.
Despite a continued recommendation against Ballot Guard by ES&S, the manufacturer of the county’s tabulators, due to its physical characteristics, Mohave County remains optimistic. Upcoming elections will serve as a critical test of the paper’s efficacy in real-world conditions, with officials assuring that any errors are unlikely to impact overall results.
The decision to proceed with Ballot Guard underscores Mohave County’s commitment to enhancing election security, amidst challenges and scrutiny, as they pave the way for potential statewide reforms.
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