Election officials expect to have over 3 million ballots to count if 2020 turnout numbers hold 

Phoenix — Registered Arizona voters have until 7 p.m. Tuesday to cast their in-person ballot or return a vote-by-mail ballot for the 2024 presidential election. As voters head to the polls, Common Cause Arizona is reminding the public that it may take several days for election officials to finalize results.  

“It’s crucial every voice is heard in this election and that means counting every vote,” said Jenny Guzman, program director for Common Cause Arizona. “It takes time to count every vote accurately and that’s why election night is not results night. A slow count is not a problem, it’s a positive, meaning that every single vote is being counted and that our systems of checks and balances are working.”

Before election officials can begin counting ballots, they must first process ballots, which includes checking to make sure the declaration on the outside of the envelope is signed by the voter, that the signature matches the signature on file, and that the voter is on the mail-in ballot list. If a voter’s signature is missing or does not match the signature on file, Arizona law requires elections officials to notify that voter and give them an opportunity to “cure” the problem. All of these steps take time, and voters have 5 calendar days to cure their ballot.

Arizona generally permits election workers to begin processing and counting early ballots before Election Day.

“Even though we may not know the election winners when we go to bed, what matters most is making sure every eligible voter’s ballot is counted accurately,” added Guzman. 

In 2020, 79.9% of registered Arizona voters turned out to vote, with over 3 million ballots cast. If trends continue, Arizona can expect to see similar numbers again in this year’s presidential election.

To find 2024 Arizona election results, click here.

Election Day Information

Voters who have questions about the voting process or who encounter problems can contact the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline:

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) – English 
• 888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682) – Spanish & English
• 888-API-VOTE (888-273-8683) – Asian Languages & English
• 844-YALLA-US (844- 925-5287) – Arabic & English
• 888-777-3831 — Native Vote

Registered voters who want to vote on Election Day must:

• Present sufficient identification to vote. The list of acceptable IDs is available here.
• Vote in person or drop off their ballot at a Drop Box or polling place. Voters in counties other than Maricopa and Pima can find their polling location by visiting my.arizona.vote.
• Arrive at the polls during voting hours. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Any voter in line to vote at 7 p.m. must be allowed to vote. 

Voters who voted by mail or who used a Drop Box can track their ballot here.