Maricopa County Implementing Major Election Security Measures

Maricopa County, Arizona, is taking major security measures at the tabulation center for the upcoming election, including deploying snipers and drones to protect ballot counters.

At a Glance

Maricopa County is implementing extensive security measures, including snipers, drones, and metal detectors, at its tabulation center.
The heightened security comes amid concerns about threats and violence leading up to the November election.
Other measures include SWAT teams, armed guards, and continuous surveillance of election equipment.
The Department of Justice and FBI have warned about potential “election-related violence.”
Over $25,000 has been spent on election safety in Maricopa County since July 2023.

Unprecedented Security Measures

As the 2024 election approaches, Maricopa County, Arizona, is taking extraordinary security measures. The county, which became a focal point for election-related contention in 2020, is now implementing a range of intense security measures due to concerns about heightened tensions surrounding American elections.

Among the most striking of these measures is the deployment of snipers to protect the tabulation center. This extreme step is part of a comprehensive security plan that also includes metal detectors, drones, security cameras, floodlights, and two layers of security fencing. The county has also increased the presence of armed guards and installed badge-access doors to further restrict entry to sensitive areas.

Securing the Ballot Counting Process

Inside the tabulation rooms, Maricopa County has implemented strict protocols. At least two people are present at all times, and the system is completely isolated from the internet, with hard drive ports blocked to prevent unauthorized access. IT personnel and visitors are escorted by multiple employees to maintain security at all times.

“We have layers of security—we have military and law enforcement joining our team to protect our cyber support systems. People are voting on paper so that, of course, can’t be hacked, but what they’re doing is protecting our support systems,” Colorado’s Secretary of State Jena Griswold said.

Ballots are stored in “secure cages” made of chain-link fencing during non-working hours, and a fire-retardant room has been designated to protect ballots from natural disasters. Surveillance cameras livestream to the public and monitor all key areas, with upgraded cameras and additional lighting installed at drop boxes.

Nationwide Concerns and Responses

Across the United States, other election officials are also taking additional measures ahead of the upcoming election. In Cobb County, Georgia, for example, officers will patrol voting sites, and an emergency operations center will monitor threats via CCTV and social media.

“Especially after the 2020 election, the threat environment at election offices has gotten much worse,” David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, said.

The Department of Justice and FBI have issued warnings about potential violence related to the election, emphasizing that there will be zero tolerance for threats against election officials and infrastructure. This heightened state of alert comes in the wake of the 2020 election, which saw political tensions reach a high point.

The implementation of these extensive security measures comes at a significant cost. Since July 2023, Maricopa County has spent over $25,000 on election safety, including personnel costs and equipment for security officers.