Recorder: Pinal will hold a CD‑7 special election July 15; reprecincting work continues with public education planned

Pinal County Recorder Dana Lewis briefed the Board of Supervisors on elections matters and voter registration during the April 30 meeting, reporting more than 312,000 registered voters and summarizing the calendar for an upcoming U.S. House CD‑7 special election.

Lewis said the county had more than 312,000 registered voters (up from about 310,000 at the start of the year) and noted party percentages: no‑party preference/independent or “other” voters were the largest group at 41.4%, Republicans at 38.2% and Democrats at 17.4%. She reminded the board the county removed more than 10,000 voters during required voter maintenance work.

On the CD‑7 special election, Lewis outlined key dates: proof ballots would go to party chairs May 6; write‑in candidate deadline is June 5; internal logic and accuracy tests are June 6 and the Secretary of State’s L&A test is June 12 (open to observers); early voting begins June 18; UOCAVA ballots will start May 30; and the county canvas was scheduled for July 23. She said precinct postcards will go to voters who do not receive active early ballots by mail.

Lewis also updated the board on reprecincting work and public outreach. She recapped a voter education working group, meetings with stakeholders (including San Tan Valley residents) and said the county is meeting with GIS staff to redraw maps; any proposal would be presented to the board in July and, if the board approves, be agendized in September with implementation steps and extended voter education thereafter. She emphasized the need for robust voter notification and funding for education if the county proceeds with reprecincting, saying voters must be informed where they will vote.

On signature‑petition matters, Lewis reported the San Tan Valley incorporation petitions and the verification process (administrative acceptance, registration verification and the required random sampling) and told the board staff would return with verification documentation and a proposed date to call an election if the signature threshold is met.

Lewis also reviewed other operational items for elections: procurement for poll‑worker and campaign finance software, RFP/RFI updates, e‑pollbook acquisition plans for the coming budget year to replace outdated poll books, internal contingency planning for emergencies, and continued work with the Secretary of State’s office on implementation of SB 2785 (related to primary timing and early‑voter check‑in processes).