As Election Day looms, Maricopa County in Arizona is ramping up security to unprecedented levels, employing drones, razor wire, bomb sweeps, and rooftop snipers to protect the ballot-counting process. The county, which became a flashpoint for election conspiracies in 2020, is determined to secure the vote count from interference or intimidation in an era of heightened political tension and scrutiny.

In a statement, Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner compared preparations to those for “a major event, like the Super Bowl.” The county, which is home to about 60% of Arizona’s voters, has implemented a dual-layered security approach, including tall fencing, security cameras, and metal detectors. If necessary, drones, horseback patrols, and police snipers can be deployed to respond to any potential disruptions, underscoring the scale of precaution taken this year.

"A New Era" of Election Protection

Following 2020’s tumultuous aftermath, where accusations of fraud led to protests, legal battles, and audits, Maricopa County has transformed its election process. Security has been revamped, with county deputies now specially trained in election laws, and transparency has taken center stage. Ballot counting, including verification and sorting by bipartisan teams, is livestreamed 24/7.

To curb misinformation and build public confidence, the county has invested millions into both security infrastructure and communication. Assistant County Manager Zach Schira described the county’s approach: “We’re going to communicate about every single part of this process and debunk every single theory that is out there.” Maricopa has also added a 30-member communications team, tasked with tackling online rumors and election conspiracies head-on.

"A Sobering Necessity": High Security in American Elections

The added security has raised mixed emotions among officials. Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates, who received threats during the 2020 election, likened the measures to protections at “militarized zones,” though he assured voters that they could still bring their families to vote safely. Gates, diagnosed with PTSD due to prior election-related threats, says he won’t be running for office again after this election, underscoring the personal toll of today’s polarized environment.

Still, many in Arizona see the fortified tabulation center as a necessary evolution. Garrett Ludwick, a Republican voter from Scottsdale, noted, “They’ve made steps that I think will help,” citing enhanced monitoring as a way to prevent fraud. Others, like Edward, a local resident who volunteered at a polling station, view involvement as a way to safeguard the process and contribute to an orderly election.

Continued Mistrust Among Some Voters

Despite increased security and transparency efforts, some voters remain unconvinced. Maleesa Meyers, who attended a recent Trump rally in Arizona, voiced doubts about the integrity of the upcoming election, a sentiment echoed by others who believe fraud remains a risk. “It’s very hard to trust anyone today,” she said, reflecting a deep-seated mistrust in government institutions that extends beyond Maricopa.

The stakes for Maricopa are high. Arizona’s tightly contested races have the potential to shape the national outcome, and county officials estimate it may take up to 13 days to tally all ballots, delaying final results in this battleground state. “There’s a chance that in 2024, the whole world will be watching for what the result is in Maricopa County,” said Schira. The county’s role in the state’s results may indeed hold significant weight in reinforcing—or further challenging—the public’s trust in American democracy.