ARIZONA, USA — After months of primaries and campaign events, Election Day is happening in Arizona.
The midterm election will determine the balance of power in our nation and right here in our state.
12News has already received numerous questions about voting procedures today. Here are our answers.
Q: If the polls close while you're in line, can you still vote?
Yes.
If you're still in line when the polls close, stay in line. You have the right to vote.
The American Civil Liberties Union advises that this is one of your fundamental rights as a voter.
Q: Should you take a picture of your ballot before you submit it?
No. (If you're at a Vote Center, that is.)
Even though it's legal to take a picture of your early ballot from home, taking any photos or videos within 75 feet of a voting location is illegal according to the secretary of state's website.
If you do think it's necessary to document evidence of a crime or other election-related violation, please let a poll worker know first.
Q: Is Katie Hobbs in charge of checking Maricopa County's tabulators?
No, Katie Hobbs is not responsible for county tabulator machines.
Although Hobbs is Arizona's top election official, our state uses a decentralized election system. That means that each county is responsible for managing its own elections.
The secretary of state's office is responsible for certifying state election results, serves as the filing officer for federal, statewide and legislative candidates and statewide ballot measures.
You can read more here:
Q: Are the tabulator machines connected to the internet?
No.
Maricopa County Election officials say the machines are only connected to power, not the internet.
Q: What do I do when a tabulator doesn't read my ballot?
If a tabulator at your vote center malfunctions, officials say you can cast your vote in three different ways, including:
- Staying at the vote center and waiting for the tabulator to come back online
- Placing your ballot in a secure drop box
- Head to another nearby vote center
Where can I vote?
Polls opened at 6 a.m. and will stay open through 7 p.m.
- Maricopa County: Search for a polling location near you here
- Pima County: Find a polling location near you
- Statewide: Find a polling place
Decision 2022
Arizonans will go to the polls this November for the midterm elections. Here's everything you need to know leading up to election night.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.