The Maricopa County Recorder’s Office is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to help employees process millions of documents more efficiently.
According to a request for proposals posted on the county’s website, the recorder’s office is seeking a contractor to “improve processes around document identification, data extraction, and comparing handwritten signature images with on-file signature images by way of artificial intelligence and machine learning.”
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MCRO processes and preserves deeds, plats and other important documents within Maricopa County — serving an average of 3,000 to 5,000 customers daily. Their collection includes more than 50 million online searchable documents comprised of 185 million images, dating back to 1871, according to the office’s website.
On average, the office processes 1 million recorded documents, 125,000 voter registrations, and 1.5 million early voting envelopes each year. Staff spend "thousands" of hours a week reviewing and manually entering data.
“Our office is looking into possible tools to help us process and index recorded documents and paper voter registration forms so we can better utilize county resources while ensuring staff continues to review everything,” the recorder’s office said in a statement to 12News after declining an interview for this story.
The recorder’s office posted the request for proposal March 21 and is accepting bids from companies specializing in AI through April 8. It’s unclear how much AI implementation would cost.
“This technology is not being considered in any way in regard to early ballot signature review or verification and the technology would not be utilized in regard to elections or voting,” the statement said.
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