Big Idea

• Over 101,000 ballots have been sent out
• As of Friday, July 31, 49,736 ballots have been accepted, representing a 48.8% return
• In 2016, there were 130,335 registered voters, 55,082 were returned for a 42.26% 
• All 25 Vote Centers will be open on Election Day, August 4th, from 6 AM to 7 PM

Yavapai County Recorder Leslie Hoffman reports that over 101,000 ballots have been sent out, and 49,736 have been accepted. This represents a 48.8% return.

In 2016, also a presidential year, out of 130,335 registered voters, 55,082 ballots were cast, for a 42,26% return. So, at this point, the voter return percentage is higher than four years ago. But, don’t forget, this is not a mail-in only election, over 25 Vote Centers will be open on Election Day, and more people can cast their ballots at that time. Plus there will be many more dropped off between now and Tuesday. 

Election Day Voting Protocols

Election Day voting protocols have been put into place for the Vote Centers. Here is the information from the Lynn Constabile, Elections Director, and Leslie Hoffman: 

All 25 Vote Centers are scheduled to be open on Election Day, August 4th at 6 am and will remain open until 7 pm. Any Yavapai County voter can choose to vote at any Yavapai County Vote Center. There is no assigned place to vote.  A list of Vote Centers can be found on our website at: https://yavapai.us/GoVote.

We are supplying each Vote Center with a “hygiene kit” which contains: 

For poll workers:

•  Cloth face masks
•  Face shields
•  Disposable gloves
•  Floor tape for establishing social distance lines
•  “Take a number” system to maintain social distancing and limit the number of voters in the Vote Center at one time
•  Disinfectant/Paper Towels/Cleaning Cloths 
•  Disinfection Bin – to sanitize pens, secrecy sleeves, etc.

For Voters:

•  Disposable masks 
•  Disposable Headset Ear Covers – for use with the touch screen 
•  Disposable Finger Cots – for use with the poll book check in station and the touch screen
•  Pens – Although voters are encouraged to bring their own blue or black ink pen

There will be a hand sanitizer for everyone.

We will be cleaning surfaces, pens and equipment, between voters and cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doors and poll booths. 

We have a person stationed at each location to monitor the number of people voting at any one time, being aware of social distancing recommendations.

Voters can help by wearing a mask or cloth face covering, maintaining social distance from others and using the disposable items provided. Masks are not required; however, we are strongly encouraging their use.

Please be aware - If enough poll workers do not show up to staff the Vote Centers, we may be forced to close certain locations on Election Day. A sign will be posted on the Vote Center entrance rerouting voters. This would not be our ideal scenario, but we would like voters to be prepared. 

If you already have your ballot, it is not recommended that you mail it in at this point, because it might not arrive in time. All ballots must be received by 7 PM on Tuesday, August 4 in order to be counted. Drop boxes are located throughout the County at the following locations:

 Note: This article has been updated with the latest numbers.