Maricopa County implements new ballot tracking and signature verification processes

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors held an informal meeting on May 5, 2025, focusing primarily on the upcoming election processes and enhancements to voter security and transparency. The meeting began with a discussion on the signature curing process, where officials confirmed that voters can verify their signatures through a dedicated website, which is now operational.

The conversation then shifted to the ballot-by-mail process, emphasizing security measures such as tracking and verification. Registered voters can request mail-in ballots, which will be sent out after thorough checks against vital records. The verification process will commence 90 days before the election, with ballots mailed out 27 days prior. Voters can track their ballots via text or online, ensuring they are counted.

Significant changes to the signature verification process were also highlighted. All mail-in ballots will undergo signature verification, with signatures checked against official voter registration files. Notably, the recorder's office has implemented a new policy where only the voter’s name and the most recent signatures will be visible to the verification team, eliminating potential bias related to party affiliation. This change aims to enhance the integrity of the verification process.

The board discussed the recent purging of 240,000 names from the active early voting list, a move that requires IT access and was confirmed by the recorder's office. The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the signature verification process, with officials explaining that multiple signatures from a voter’s history will be used to ensure accuracy. The verification process includes a double-blind review, where signatures are assessed by members from different political parties to maintain impartiality.

Additionally, the board discussed the role of observers in the signature verification process, noting that they will now have closer access to the verification screens. Observers are selected from both major political parties, although the availability of volunteers can vary.

The meeting concluded with a presentation on new voter registration cards for independents wishing to participate in primary elections, which include barcodes for tracking purposes. Overall, the discussions underscored Maricopa County's commitment to improving election security and transparency ahead of the upcoming elections.