Arizona and Nevada are notorious for their lengthy vote-counting processes, often leaving election results uncertain for days after Election Day. This year is no different, with hundreds of thousands of ballots still uncounted in both states. But why are these two states still tallying votes while others have finalized their counts?
Two-Page Ballots and Processing Delays in Maricopa County
In Arizona’s most populous county, Maricopa, a significant factor contributing to the delay is the unprecedented two-page ballot. This longer ballot has doubled the processing time as election workers must separate, flatten, and inspect each sheet for damage before tabulation. This unexpected hurdle has created a substantial backlog, even with the addition of a third overnight shift of ballot processors.
Initial results released on election night only included early ballots received until October 29th, a full week before Election Day. An estimated 700,000 early ballots, along with those received after October 29th and all Election Day ballots dropped off at polling places, remain to be processed. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer anticipates the majority of ballot processing will be complete by the weekend, coinciding with the deadline for voters to rectify any issues with their ballots. While all Election Day votes cast directly into tabulation machines were reported by 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, the sheer volume of early and drop-off ballots continues to contribute to the delay.
New Law and Counting Challenges in Other Arizona Counties
A newly implemented law requiring poll workers to count early ballots dropped off at polling places before leaving their stations has also added to the delay in finalizing Election Day results. This process, while intended to improve transparency, has added an estimated one to two hours to the reporting timeline compared to previous elections.
In other Arizona counties, like Pinal, the volume of ballots received overwhelmed counting facilities, leading to ongoing counting efforts well into the following day. Pinal County reported results from only half of its precincts by Wednesday morning. Apache County also experienced delays, attributed in part to a court order extending voting hours at nine polling locations due to technical difficulties and resulting long lines.
Nevada’s Mail Voting and Close Races
Nevada, like Arizona, allows for widespread mail-in voting, which inherently takes longer to process than in-person voting. Each mail-in ballot must be verified through signature matching and other security measures before being counted. This meticulous process takes time and contributes to the extended counting period. Additionally, several close races in Nevada further amplify the importance of each vote, requiring careful attention to detail and potentially triggering recounts, which can further prolong the finalization of results. The high volume of mail ballots coupled with tight races necessitates a comprehensive and thorough counting process in Nevada, often resulting in delays in reporting final results.
Conclusion: Accuracy Over Speed
While the delayed results can be frustrating, both Arizona and Nevada prioritize accuracy over speed in their vote-counting procedures. Factors such as high volumes of mail-in ballots, complex processing requirements, new legislation, and close races all contribute to the extended time frame. The thoroughness of the process ensures that every valid vote is counted, ultimately upholding the integrity of the election. Patience is crucial as election officials diligently work to finalize accurate results.
