Politics
Maricopa County examines three ballot printers after trays found open in Chandler
Election officials are investigating after an inspector found the paper trays on three ballot-on-demand printers open at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. The county replaced the equipment, and officials said voting continued without disruption and no voters were affected.
Maricopa County election officials are examining three ballot-on-demand printers after an inspector found their paper trays open Friday morning at an early-voting site at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler.
The trays were reportedly opened sometime after the site closed Thursday and before the inspector arrived Friday, according to the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office. Election procedures require ballot paper to be removed from printer trays each night.
The county sent replacement equipment to the site and returned the original printers for a forensic examination. Early voting continued without interruption, and officials said no voters were affected.
The Recorder’s Office said the incident could have resulted from human error, but it would work with law enforcement and update the public after the investigation is complete. Officials have not said whether the trays were deliberately opened or what the examination has found.
The inquiry comes as election officials manage voting equipment used to produce ballots at early-voting locations. The county has not announced a timeline for completing its review.