PHOENIX — Security measures such as barbed wire, six-foot barred gates, and badge-access doors are surrounding one voting location in the Phoenix area. This site, which is a public school district office, is considered appropriate for polling due to these security precautions, according to the superintendent. The superintendent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to increased threats, revealed that his district has reduced its number of polling sites from 17 to just one secure site.
Since the 2020 presidential election, efforts have been made to enhance the physical security of locations where voting occurs and ballots are counted. This shift comes amid some organizations reducing their involvement and others stepping forward to provide access.
The superintendent explained that the escalation in rhetoric and threats influenced his decision to limit voting locations for safety reasons, describing the current security as "one step below Fort Knox."
As constituents in Arizona cast their votes in polling sites or by mailing ballots, officials are prioritizing the safety and security of these sites. Maricopa County, housing 60% of Arizona’s voters and over 4 million residents, plays a pivotal role in national elections, potentially swaying the outcome of presidential races. The atmosphere there remains tense, with officials expressing concerns about security.
There are challenges, as school officials have had to enforce restrictions on weapons and electioneering per state law, maintaining a secure perimeter around voting locations. Despite these challenges, the superintendent expressed a commitment to contributing to the community by operating a secure polling site, emphasizing the role of schools in civic endeavors.
Numerous schools are withdrawing as polling sites, and threats are being reported across election-related offices. Recently, Arizona Democrats closed a field office in Tempe following multiple instances of vandalism involving firearms. The FBI has reported unusual threat levels to election workers in Arizona.
Stephen Richer, Maricopa County Recorder, noted the difficulty in securing enough neutral spaces like churches and community centers due to schools reducing their involvement in voting venue provision. While some scale back, other organizations are stepping in to fill the gaps.
Richer and Maricopa County staff have reached out for support in establishing new polling sites and utilized county funds for renting suitable spaces. Notably, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona has increased its contributions by providing 30 polling locations this year, more than in previous election cycles.
Candice Copple, spokesperson for the Arizona LDS Church, underscored the church’s commitment to community service, noting its apolitical stance and valuing the democratic privilege of voting. Likewise, Dan Shkapich, a church leader in Chandler, emphasized the importance of civic involvement, marking the church’s facilities as new polling venues to enhance community participation.
This commitment extends to Maricopa Community College, where associate vice chancellor Dianna Villanueva-Saucedo expressed enthusiasm for supporting democratic processes. The college is offering more locations as polling sites compared to previous years.
Villanueva-Saucedo shared that the college was designed to foster civic engagement and democracy, making its involvement crucial for community service. Despite the wider climate of threats, both Villanueva-Saucedo and Copple reported no direct threats, attributing secure event handling to existing campus and city police protocols. They continue to focus on nonpartisan voter education and facilitating voting processes.
In conclusion, the community’s efforts to support the electoral process underline the shared commitment to civic participation amidst heightened security concerns.
Contributions from Ailsa Chang, Noah Caldwell, and William Troop.
