<img srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/ws/240/cpsprodpb/291d/live/c90aad20-9b4a-11ef-9260-19e6a950e830.jpg.webp 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/ws/320/cpsprodpb/291d/live/c90aad20-9b4a-11ef-9260-19e6a950e830.jpg.webp 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/ws/480/cpsprodpb/291d/live/c90aad20-9b4a-11ef-9260-19e6a950e830.jpg.webp 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/ws/624/cpsprodpb/291d/live/c90aad20-9b4a-11ef-9260-19e6a950e830.jpg.webp 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/ws/800/cpsprodpb/291d/live/c90aad20-9b4a-11ef-9260-19e6a950e830.jpg.webp 800w" sizes="(min-width: 1008px) 760px, 100vw" alt="The fence surrounding a vote-counting center in Maricopa County, Arizona, is topped with barbed wire and the building has multiple surveillance cameras.” width=”1024″ height=”682″ src=”https://www.bbc.com/japanese/articles/aspect-ratio:1024 / 682″ class=”bbc-139onq”/>image captionThe fence surrounding the vote counting center in Maricopa County, Arizona, is topped with barbed wire and the building has multiple surveillance cameras
3 hours ago
Crystal Hayes, BBC News (Maricopa County, Arizona)
Thick black iron fence with barbed wire. Security guards armed with metal detectors. and an explosives detector.
It’s like a security situation like an airport or a prison. But this is where staff will be counting election ballots. If necessary, there are plans to further strengthen security, including deploying drones and mounted police, as well as stationing snipers on rooftops.
Maricopa County, Arizona, was the center of conspiracy theories during the last presidential election in 2020. The election began when then-Republican President Donald Trump, who lost to Democratic candidate Joe Biden by a margin of less than 11,000 votes, spread baseless claims that there had been voter fraud.
Disinformation was spread, armed protesters stormed the building where the election was being counted, and a flurry of lawsuits and audits challenged the election results.
As a result, the process of counting votes in Maricopa County will change forever. The work, which was originally supposed to be unremarkable, now comes under heavy security. It’s the beginning of a new era.
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Security to make vote counting “like a major event”
Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner told the BBC that he treats the vote-counting process like “a major event like the Super Bowl.”
Maricopa County is the fourth most populous county in the nation and is home to approximately 60% of Arizona voters. According to Sheriff Skinner, campaign workers there have been planning for this presidential election for more than a year.
The sheriff’s office is responsible for providing security at multiple polling places and this polling location. The deputy sheriffs here are trained in election law, although most law enforcement officers are typically unfamiliar with it.
When asked about strengthening security, such as deploying drones and snipers, Sheriff Skinner said, “I hope the situation doesn’t get to the point where it’s necessary,” but added, “We’re definitely going to meet the level of security that’s required.” “We are prepared to ensure the safety and security of our poll counting stations and workers.”
What is the process of counting votes?
In many ways, the election process here is similar to counties across the country. Voters cast their votes at polling stations. Ballots will then be taken to a polling station in Phoenix, where new tabulation machines have been installed. If voting by mail, first inspect the ballot and verify signatures. The votes are counted in a meticulous process, with two workers from different political parties sorting the ballots and checking for errors.
The voting process will be streamed live 24 hours a day.
There were no major changes to the voting procedure itself, but there were other major changes. Since the 2020 presidential election, Arizona has passed a new state law that makes it easier to request a recount.
Previously, recounts were limited to cases in which the winner was decided by a narrow 0.1 point difference in vote share. Now, with a difference of half a pound, you can request a recount.
Surveillance cameras, armed guards, and blindfolds
The voting booth is now heavily surrounded by surveillance cameras, armed guards and double fencing.
One side of the fence is lined with thick cloth, making it impossible to see inside. Officials say this is an additional measure to ensure staff are not harassed or intimidated outside the building.
“I think it’s sad that we have to do this,” said Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates.
Gates, a Republican, said he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after receiving threats after the 2020 election. Gates says he no longer intends to run for public office after this election. The reason for this is the tense situation surrounding the election.
“I want people to come to the polls knowing that this is not an armed zone,” he told the BBC. “I want to be able to go to the voting booth and participate in democracy with peace of mind with my family and children.”
image captionAt the entrance to the polling station, armed guards and metal detectors greet voters. Voters will line up along yellow and black ropes and pass through metal detectors.
Transparency is the main focus
Maricopa County has spent millions of dollars on this since 2020. The concerns are not limited to strengthening security. Currently, we have a public relations team of about 30 people.
The biggest focus is transparency in vote counting. They livestreamed test counting machines for hours, conducted dozens of public tours of voting stations, and had staff on hand to refute online rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding the election. There is.
“It’s like flipping a switch” from the traditional way of doing things, Maricopa County Assistant Manager Zach Sila told the BBC. He said he decided after the last election to “communicate about all aspects of voting and deny all the theories that are out there.”
After much preparation, we headed to the election on the 5th.
“We may end up overpreparing,” said Sheriff Skinner. “Even so, it’s better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
image captionMarisa Meyers and Michael Milton attended a rally for Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance in Scottsdale, Arizona
When I asked Maricopa County Republicans about recent changes, they said they thought there would be fewer issues this election than in the last.
Garrett Ludwig, 25, who attended a rally for Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance in Scottsdale, Arizona, said, “I’m taking steps that I think will help (prevent the problem) from happening.” I think I’m taking it,” he said.
“This time, there are more people than ever before who understand what’s going on and who are looking at everything with hawk eyes,” said Ludwick, who was wearing a pro-Trump cap that read “Let’s make liberals cry.” I think there will be a lot more than before.”
Edward, a Republican voter, told the BBC that he became more involved in elections after the 2020 election. On the 5th, he said he has applied for two shifts at a polling place in Maricopa County.
Edward said, “Even if I attend rallies or get upset, the situation will not be solved,” and “I wanted to be involved in solving it.”
But not everyone is convinced.
Marisa Meyers, 55, said her distrust of the electoral process has become so deep-seated that she no longer believes elections will be held fairly. There are several other Republicans who share the same opinion.
“I still believe (the last election) was rigged,” Meyers said. “It’s very difficult to trust anyone now.”
Election results in Arizona often depend on votes cast in Maricopa County. Officials say it could take up to 13 days to count all the votes. This means that the expected close race in this battleground state may not be decided by election night.
“The whole world may be watching the outcome in Maricopa County in the 2024 election,” said Shira.
“The world’s trust in democracy may be summed up here.”
