Elections

This guide is designed to help Maricopa County residents quickly understand how elections work locally, what to do before each election, and where to find reliable services—whether you plan to vote by mail or in person. You’ll find step-by-step explanations for registering, requesting and tracking a ballot, identifying the right voting location, accessing voter assistance, and confirming results, all grounded in official county and state resources.

Understand Who Runs Maricopa County AZ Elections—and Why That Matters

Maricopa County’s election system is built on a clear division of duties that balances access with security. Elections in Maricopa County are overseen by both the County Board of Supervisors and the County Recorder. The Board of Supervisors handles candidate and campaign filings, in-person voting and vote centers, election worker hiring, and ballot processing and tabulation. The Recorder’s Office manages voter registration and all aspects of mail voting. Knowing this division of responsibility helps you solve problems faster: questions about your registration or a mailed ballot go to the Recorder’s Office; questions about where to vote, voting locations and hours, or how ballots are tabulated go to Elections.

Map Out Your Year: See Dates, Deadlines, and Milestones

Elections are a calendar-driven process. Before you make any plan—register, request a ballot, vote in person—review the official schedule for registration deadlines, mailing windows for ballots, and vote-center hours. For current dates and cutoff times, check the Election Calendar on the county’s official site via Important Election Dates. That page is updated as each election approaches, and it also routes you to helpful FAQs when special elections are added.

November 4, 2025 Jurisdictional Elections at a Glance

This fall features jurisdictional all-mail elections across a number of local jurisdictions on November 4, 2025. Every eligible voter in those jurisdictions will automatically receive a ballot by mail—even if you’re not on the Active Early Voting List. Ballots begin mailing on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. If you need the ballot sent temporarily to a different address inside the United States, call 602-506-1511. The last day to request a temporary-address or regular ballot by mail for these jurisdictional elections is Friday, October 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM (Arizona time).

Be Ballot Ready: Use the Voter Dashboard to Personalize Your Plan

Maricopa County offers a personalized voter dashboard that pulls your registration data, upcoming election information, and ballot status into a single, secure view. After you sign in, you can:

Confirm your registration status and party affiliation
See what’s on your ballot when available
Check whether a ballot has been mailed, received, verified, and counted
Access a digital voter ID card for in-person voting

When an election is active, the dashboard is also where you track your ballot and confirm it was counted. Start from Voter Dashboard and follow the on-screen identity verification steps.

Get Registered (or Updated) the Right Way—And Don’t Miss the 29-Day Rule

You must be registered 29 days prior to an election to vote in that election. State law sets eligibility requirements for registration, including U.S. citizenship, age, and residency criteria. The county provides multiple ways to register or update your record (name, address, party):

Register or update online (Arizona Driver License/State ID required)

Submit a paper Arizona or federal registration form by mail or in person

Request a mailed registration form with a return envelope

Update your record at a voting location (already-registered voters who update on site may still receive a full ballot)

For current forms, eligibility details, and processing timelines, go to Register to Vote. That page explains Documentary Proof of Citizenship and acceptable proof of residence, how long updates take to post, and how to obtain a replacement voter identification card if needed.

What to Know About Proof of Citizenship and “Federal-Only” Status

Arizona law requires Documentary Proof of Citizenship to receive a full ballot (federal, state, and local contests). If your record is missing citizenship documentation, your status may be set to federal-only, which limits you to federal races. The Recorder’s Office notifies voters if documentation is needed and provides simple ways to submit it. You can remedy your record up to 7:00 PM on Election Day to vote a full ballot in eligible races. If you’ve received a notice about missing Documentary Proof of Citizenship, follow the instructions to submit acceptable documents by mail, email, or in person at the Recorder’s Office.

If You’ve Moved or Changed Your Name

Official election mail (including ballots) cannot be forwarded. If you move, update your voter record promptly to ensure your ballot and voter mail reach you on time. The registration page outlines how to update online (with an Arizona license/ID) or by form, and where to deliver or mail updates.

Vote by Mail with Confidence: Request, Receive, Return, and Track

Arizona voters have successfully used early voting by mail for decades, and Maricopa County’s process includes multiple layers of ballot accountability. There are two main pathways to vote by mail:

Active Early Voting List (AEVL): Registered voters can opt in to receive a ballot by mail for every election in which they’re eligible. Ballots for AEVL voters mail 27 days prior to an election to the Arizona address on file.

One-Time Ballot Request: If you prefer to vote by mail for a specific election—or need your ballot sent to a temporary U.S. address—you can make a one-time request without changing your voter registration address.

To start either option, review the official instructions on Request a Mail Ballot.

Independent Voters and Primary Elections

Not affiliated with a political party? You can still participate in a Primary Election by requesting a partisan ballot type. Doing so does not change your party registration. The request can be one-time and tied to that specific primary.

Replacement Ballots and Damaged Ballots

If you damage or misplace your early ballot, you can request a replacement by calling 602-506-1511 or by email with the required identifying information. Replacement ballots can also be issued at any voting location through 7:00 PM on Election Day.

Signature Verification Protects Your Ballot

Every early ballot envelope includes an affidavit that you must sign. Your signature is compared to your known signatures in the voter registration file using a multi-level verification process. If the signature requires confirmation, election workers will contact you (if you’ve provided a phone number) to complete the statutory “curing” process. Only verified ballots are counted, and all uncounted ballots with reasons are recorded in the official canvass.

Track Your Ballot from Printing to Counting

Maricopa County lets you follow your ballot’s journey—prepared, mailed, received, verified, counted—through text/email notifications and your dashboard. Sign up or check status using Track Your Ballot. You can also text JOIN to 628-683 during active election periods to receive ballot and registration alerts.

Prefer to Vote In Person? Find the Right Location and Bring Proper ID

Some voters prefer the experience of casting a ballot at a voting location. During all-mail jurisdictions, in-person services focus on replacement ballots, secure drop box return, and accessible voting options. During countywide elections, vote centers across the county allow you to cast a ballot at any open location.

Use the searchable map and filters to find a nearby vote center or drop box, see opening dates/hours, and plan your visit through Where to Vote.

Confirm acceptable identification for in-person voting (including combinations of documents) via the ID resource linked from that page.

Watch for the Ballot Replacement Centers opening ahead of Election Day (for the November jurisdictional elections, centers open October 27 with site-specific hours listed on the map).

Accessibility and Assistance at Voting Locations

Every voting location is assessed for ADA compliance. Curbside voting is available for voters who cannot leave their vehicle, and Accessible Voting Devices support independent voting using large print, audio navigation, sip-and-puff, and touchscreen modes; the device prints a ballot that is scanned like all others. Bilingual assistance (English and Spanish) is provided, and the county maintains a language audio glossary that includes Tohono O’odham terms. Learn more on Voter Assistance Services and use the “find a location” tool to identify a site that meets your needs.

Electioneering Rules at Vote Centers

To keep voting locations orderly and accessible, specific rules govern electioneering and campaign materials near vote centers. Site staff post signage and ensure all voters can enter and vote without interference. When planning your visit, use the hours and site details on the Where to Vote map and follow posted rules on-site.

Military and Overseas Voters: Use UOCAVA Tools to Stay on Time

If you’re an active-duty service member, an eligible family member, or a U.S. citizen living overseas, federal law (UOCAVA) extends specialized absentee voting rights to you. Maricopa County provides an online ballot request portal and mapping resources to streamline your participation. Start at the county’s UOCAVA page to confirm eligibility and use the dedicated request system provided by the Recorder’s Office. For direct access to the request portal and mapping tool, navigate from the main voting pages to the UOCAVA resources and proceed with your submission.

Dive Into “What’s on My Ballot” and Research Local Measures

Ballot content varies by jurisdiction, and Maricopa County consolidates your personalized contests and questions once official ballots are finalized. Before you vote, review the county’s election content tools so you know exactly which races and measures will appear. Use What’s on my Ballot? to preview contests tied to your address as they become available for each election.

How Ballots Are Counted—and When You’ll See Results

Understanding how ballots are verified and tabulated reduces confusion on election night. Early ballots that arrive before Election Day undergo signature verification and are prepared for tabulation according to law; results are released after polls close. Ballots that arrive on or just before Election Day (including those dropped at vote centers) require additional processing and may be counted in the days immediately following, which is normal and expected.

Explore the county’s plain-language walk-through of the process on Counting Ballots, which covers signature verification, chain of custody, tabulation, and audits.

When contests fall within the statutory margin, Arizona law triggers a recount with specific procedures to ensure accuracy.

Official totals, including any ballots that were not counted and the reasons why, are included in the canvass.

When you’re ready to see outcomes, check Election Results for current and archived reporting.

Need Extra Help? Specialized Services Cover Health, Disability, and Language

Maricopa County runs several programs to guarantee equal access to voting:

Accessible Ballots by Mail: Voters can request Braille or large-print ballots by contacting the county. These can be made permanent or one-time accommodations.

Special Election Boards (SEB): If a confining illness or disability prevents you from visiting a voting location, a bipartisan two-member SEB can assist you at home, in a hospital, or another convenient location. The service is free for eligible registered voters who need voting assistance due to disability or confinement.

Curbside Voting: At any voting location, you can remain in your vehicle and request curbside assistance. Posted signage will include the phone number to call on arrival.

Language Assistance: All ballots and official election information are provided in English and Spanish, and bilingual poll workers are assigned when possible. The county also offers an audio glossary that includes Tohono O’odham.

Use Voter Assistance Services to request accessible materials, schedule SEB assistance, and learn more about location accessibility features.

Your Information, Your Choice: Personal Information Redaction

Arizona law allows certain individuals—such as peace officers, judges, prosecutors, corrections personnel, and others defined by statute—to request redaction of personal information from public voter records, and to seal certain recorded documents for safety. The county explains eligibility, what information can be protected, and how to apply, including links to court forms and the Address Confidentiality Program. If you qualify, follow the process outlined on the county’s redaction page and coordinate with the Presiding Judge’s office as directed. Start with personal information redaction to review who can apply and how records are sealed.

If You’re Detained Pre-Trial, You Can Still Vote

In Maricopa County, eligible voters who are detained but not sentenced retain the right to vote. Voting instructions for federal elections are provided through the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office on inmate tablets or common-area postings. Detainees can obtain voter registration and ballot request forms through Inmate Legal Services, including a prepaid envelope for mailing. Ballots are mailed to the jail for completion. If specialized in-person assistance is necessary, the county can coordinate via the Special Election Board program.

Students and Civic-Minded Residents: Work the Elections

Running smooth elections requires trained people. If you want to serve your community, explore seasonal roles, student programs, and poll worker training. The county offers paid temporary positions and a Student Election Program that introduces young civic leaders to election operations. Read role descriptions, training expectations, and application windows through the Elections jobs pages and training resources accessible from the Elections home sections.

Practical Scenarios and Straight Answers for Maricopa County Voters

“I’ll be away when ballots mail—can I still vote?”

Yes. Make a one-time ballot request to send your ballot to a temporary address within the U.S. without changing your voter registration. Requests must be received by the published deadline for the election. For jurisdictional all-mail elections, every eligible voter automatically receives a mailed ballot, and you can redirect it for that single election.

“My signature has changed—will my ballot count?”

The county compares your affidavit signature to the signatures in your registration file. If your signature has changed substantially, submit a new paper voter registration form to refresh your signature on file. If there’s a question during verification, staff will contact you using the phone number you provided on the envelope so you can cure the signature within the statutory timeline.

“I lost my voter ID card—can I still vote in person?”

Yes. You can obtain a digital voter ID card through your dashboard, and you can present acceptable forms of identification as listed on the county’s in-person ID guidance. If you need a new physical card, call the county; a replacement will be mailed.

“I received election mail for someone who moved—what should I do?”

Mark it “Not at this Address” and return it to the Postal Service. Under state law, two pieces of undeliverable official election mail are required before a voter is placed into inactive status. If you are the voter and you moved, update your record promptly to keep your registration active and ensure timely ballot delivery.

“I’m unaffiliated—how do I vote in a primary?”

Request a partisan ballot for the Primary Election. You will not be registered into that party by making this request; it simply allows you to choose which party’s primary ballot you want to vote for that election.

“I need a replacement on Election Day.”

Visit any open voting location. Replacement ballots are available until 7:00 PM on Election Day, and you can return your completed early ballot at any vote center or drop box by close of polls.

Elections Departments and Offices — Addresses and Phone Numbers

Maricopa County Elections — 510 S. 3rd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003 — 602-506-1511

Maricopa County Recorder’s Office — 301 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003 — 602-506-3535

Arizona Secretary of State — Elections Division — Phoenix, AZ — 1-877-843-8683

Maricopa County Elections FAQs

How do I check my registration, ballot status, or find personalized election info?

Use the county’s secure Voter Dashboard to verify your registration, see what’s on your ballot, and track key dates. You can also access your digital voter ID for in-person voting. Head to the Voter Dashboard and sign in with your details to get started.

What should I know about voting by mail this cycle?

For the November 4, 2025 jurisdictional elections, every eligible voter will automatically receive a ballot by mail. Ballots begin mailing Wednesday, October 8. If you need your ballot sent to a temporary U.S. address, submit a one-time request through Request a Mail Ballot before Friday, October 24 at 5 PM (Arizona time). Voters on the Active Early Voting List will continue to receive ballots automatically for traditional countywide elections.

Where can I return my ballot or vote in person?

You can return your voted early ballot by mail, use a secure drop box, or visit a Ballot Replacement Center if you need a new ballot. Sites open as early as October 27 and hours vary. Use the interactive map on Where to Vote to find drop boxes and voting locations near you, plus current hours and any site-specific updates.

How do I track my ballot and get real-time alerts?

From printing to tabulation, you can follow your ballot’s journey. Opt in for text or email notices when your ballot is prepared, mailed, received, verified, and counted, and get updates on changes to your voter registration. Enroll through Track Your Ballot or sign in to your dashboard.

I moved or need to update my party, name, or address—what’s the process?

Updates must be completed before the registration deadline for the election you want to vote in. If you have an Arizona driver license or state ID, you can update online. Paper and federal forms are available, too. Review eligibility, deadlines, and form options at Register to Vote.