Officials and those in top governmental positions in presidential election battleground states, including Arizona, are proposing increased funding for new staff, training, and security prior to the 2024 election.
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs wants to add $11 million in new funding for the state’s election taskforce which convened in early April. That panel is tasked with releasing recommendations this November on best practices, voting equipment and training.
Separately, Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes wants an additional $3.1 million for a new chief information security officer and six new election trainers.
In January, Republican Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer issued his own set of proposals for election reform in a multi-page report which did not include a cost analysis.
"There is no evidence of widespread fraud or manipulation of voting equipment in the 2020 elections. Yet distrust about U.S. elections persists among Republicans, fueled by Trump allies who have been traveling the country highlighting theoretical vulnerabilities," according to the Associated Press.
