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Board orders independent reviews of election equipment and procedures; auditors to solicit external firms
Summary
The Board unanimously approved two independent reviews — one focused on election technology/equipment and another on election procedures — to be run under the county’s internal audit oversight and performed by qualified external firms.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved two items establishing an independent review of the county’s election technology (item 70) and a broader, comprehensive review of election procedures (item 71). The reviews will be administered through the internal audit function and executed by external, qualified vendors the county will select after a public procurement process.
Susan Adams, representing the county internal audit office, told the board the technology review will examine items such as tabulation equipment, whether systems have been connected to the Internet, and whether malicious code or other vulnerabilities exist. The procedural review will examine the board’s statutory responsibilities, workflow and operational practices that affect election management. Adams said internal audit would help craft scopes, facilitate vendor selection and ensure independence and objectivity by overseeing contract performance and timetables.
Supervisors from across the board framed the reviews as steps to restore public confidence and to ensure elections are “best in class.” Several supervisors said they want clear public reporting and a baseline description of current processes so the board — and the public — can measure any recommended changes against a shared understanding. Recorder Justin Heap was contacted and invited to participate in the review process; the board said the review would be independent from the elections office but that staff would facilitate access to data and processes as needed.
Supervisor Lesko, who has prior congressional committee experience in oversight, praised the step as a way to ensure independent validation. Supervisor Mark Stewart and others described the initiative as bipartisan and focused on process improvement. The board directed staff to proceed with vendor selection and to ensure the work is independent, transparent and documented for public review.
The motions to fund and begin the procurement process were moved by Supervisor Lesko, seconded by Supervisor Stewart, and approved unanimously.
