Maricopa County, Arizona, is experiencing minor technical issues with vote tabulators at 20% of polling places, but officials assure that all ballots will be counted. In a separate incident, a temporary election worker was arrested for allegedly stealing a security fob and keys from a ballot tabulation center.
Maricopa County, Arizona, is experiencing "hiccups" with vote tabulators at 20% of polling places, according to Bill Gates, a Maricopa County Supervisor. However, Gates emphasizes that all ballots will still be counted.
In a separate incident, Walter Ringfield, 27, a temporary election worker, was arrested for allegedly stealing a security fob and keys from a ballot tabulation center. Security footage captured Ringfield taking the items on Thursday afternoon.
Maricopa County Tabulator Hiccups and Security Breach: Elections Safeguarded, Officials Reassure
When confronted by his employer, Ringfield initially denied the theft but later suggested he might have mistakenly taken the lanyard while he was stretching. A search of his vehicle revealed a red lanyard and matching plastic tag, but the fob remained missing.
Ringfield allegedly admitted to taking the fob but claimed he returned it after 20 minutes to "clean up" his appearance in hopes of securing a permanent position at the tabulation center.
Maricopa County Tabulator Hiccups and Security Breach: Elections Safeguarded, Officials Reassure
However, detectives later found the missing fob at Ringfield's residence. Sheriff Russ Skinner commended the swift response of election staffers and law enforcement, emphasizing that it "safeguarded democracy."
The stolen security fob necessitated the reprogramming of every fob and tablet used in the tabulation process. Maricopa County has faced repeated tabulation equipment concerns in recent years, becoming a focal point of election-fraud claims, particularly during the 2020 presidential election.
Maricopa County Tabulator Hiccups and Security Breach: Elections Safeguarded, Officials Reassure
Despite these incidents, county officials are confident that the upcoming primary, scheduled for July 30th, will not be impacted. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes highlights the effectiveness of election safety measures, stating that the systems are "designed to detect anomalies" and supported by dedicated professionals.
Fontes further notes that the re-conducting of logic and accuracy tests provides an extra layer of protection for all affected equipment. The swift actions taken have prevented any potential impact on upcoming elections.
Maricopa County Tabulator Hiccups and Security Breach: Elections Safeguarded, Officials Reassure
The Secretary of State's office is collaborating with law enforcement to investigate the incident and ensure accountability and justice.
In summary, Maricopa County is facing minor technical issues with some vote tabulators, but all ballots will be counted. Additionally, a temporary election worker was arrested for allegedly stealing a security fob and keys from a tabulation center. However, election officials and law enforcement's swift response has safeguarded democracy and ensured the integrity of upcoming elections.
Maricopa County Tabulator Hiccups and Security Breach: Elections Safeguarded, Officials Reassure
