County Recorder Sworn In

Maricopa County Recorder, Helen Purcell, was sworn into office to begin serving her 5th term as Recorder. Her official swearing in, by Honorable Susan Ehrlich, Judge of the Arizona State Court of Appeals, took place on December 29, 2004. Her ceremonial swearing-in, along with other county elected officials, was officiated by Honorable Colin Campbell of the Maricopa County Superior Court on January 3, 2005. Family members attended and grandson Devon Purcell held the family bible as Judge Campbell administered the oath of office. Helen Purcell is the second woman to hold this office in Maricopa County since 1871 and received the highest number of votes of all county elected officials in the November 2004 election. During her tenure she has been recognized statewide as well as nationwide for the use of technology in both the Recorder's Office and the Elections Department. Visitors come from around the country and many parts of the world to observe the day-to-day operations for both departments. During the Phoenix NACo national convention in July of 2004, at the request of many county recorders from various parts of the United States, special tours were conducted at the Recorder's offices as well as the operational plant for the Elections Department. Helen receives correspondence from students; through "Kids Voting", others from schools whose clases are focusing on elections. She has made a number of classroom visits around the county and the students are captivated by her presentation and with her responsibilities. She serves on the Board of Directors of Kids Voting Arizona and has been recognized for her work in encouraging youth to become voting citizens. She encourages voter participation by conducting student body elections for many of the high schools in Maricopa County. Please take a pictorial look at some of the activities and events that took place on Purcell's 2004 watch.