Tabulations of early ballots in a key county in Arizona are progressing slower than anticipated, as reported by a county official. Maricopa County, which houses a majority of the state's crucial voters, is set to release the first 1.1 million to 1.2 million ballots around 10 p.m. ET or an hour after polls close. This initial count will only include votes through Tuesday, October 29, contrary to the official's earlier projection that it would encompass ballots through at least Friday, November 1.
The official cited the delay in counting to the complexity of a two-page ballot, which requires processing double the usual amount of paper. Despite the slower pace, the first drop is expected to represent 55% of the estimated total voter turnout in Maricopa County, which is home to Phoenix, the state's capital.
Following this initial release, the county plans to publish its next set of votes, including those from Election Day, on Wednesday. This step marks a significant milestone in the ballot counting process, providing insight into the voting trends and outcomes within the county.
