October 16, 2026

Transparency In Action: Unauthorized After-Hours Early Voting Site Access Immediately Addressed; No Voters Affected

PHOENIX, AZ — In keeping with Recorder Justin Heap’s rigorous standards for complete transparency, the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office (MCRO) is sharing with the public an incident of unauthorized access to an early voting site at the Chandler-Gilbert Community College Early Voting location. No voters were affected.

Upon arrival at the early voting site this morning, an election inspector discovered that the paper trays on three Ballot-on-Demand printers appeared to have been opened sometime between the polls closing the previous evening and his arrival this morning. As an important reminder, it is MCRO procedure to remove and secure all ballot paper nightly, rendering the trays empty and unable to be used.

Upon notice from the inspector, the Recorder’s Office immediately dispatched replacement equipment to the early voting site and returned the original devices for a full forensic examination. Early voting continued on the replacement equipment without interruption.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office was promptly notified and is investigating alongside CGCC Campus Security. We thank both law enforcement and college staff for their cooperation.

While this may simply be human error, we will work with law enforcement and update the public upon completion of the investigation.

To reiterate, no voters were affected, and early voting continued without interruption.

Recorder Heap issued the following statement:

“Transparency and accountability are essential to ensuring public trust. Voters deserve to know when concerns arise and have confidence that we will respond promptly, investigate thoroughly, and share our findings.”

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Media Contact:
Judy Keane
[email protected]