The 2026 primary election canvass by the Maricopa Board of Supervisors was notably collegial. Photo: Zach Buchanan/Axios
With less drama than in recent years, Maricopa County yesterday put the final stamp on the results of the 2026 primary election, which officials agreed went particularly smoothly.
Why it matters: Despite being magnet for election denialism since 2020, the county elections department was able to report the vast majority of results in record time.
By the numbers: Several stats, shared during yesterday's official canvass of the results by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, illuminate the quick turnaround:
⚡️ 99.6% of results were posted within 24 hours, the fastest ever for the county.
🗓️ Final results were posted within six days of Election Day, tied for the fastest.
⬇️ Turnout was just shy of 27%, significantly down compared to recent midterm elections, which meant a quicker tally.
🪪 23,400 voters waited in (short) Election Day lines to show ID while dropping off mail ballots — a new option this year that allowed those ballots to be counted faster.
Context: The canvass was notably congenial between the Republican-controlled board and GOP county recorder Justin Heap, who share election duties. The two sides had feuded in and out of court for a year but reached a mediated election administration settlement a week before the July 21 election.
What they're saying: "This gives me, personally, professionally, great hope," board chair Kate Brophy McGee told Heap during the meeting. "We can do this. This was a huge."
What's next: With several contested statewide races, the general election will draw far more voters, presenting a bigger test of the county's election systems.
