Arizona voters can expect security to be more robust at polling places when they cast ballots Aug. 2.
Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said at a news conference Wednesday that plain-clothes deputies will be watching for interference with the right to vote.
“My hope is that you realize that we’re serious about this. There’s going to be zero tolerance. We are going to protect democracy and make sure people can vote safely,” he said.
To ensure enough staffing, Penzone has barred his employees from taking paid time off during the week of the primary and the November general election.
Election workers have been facing threats here and across the country since the 2020 election and former President Donald Trump’s false claims of massive voter fraud since. In Arizona, this is leading to staffing issues as early voting is already underway.
For more about election security and the new measures, The Show spoke with Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer.