Cochise County's Board of Supervisors meeting on November 26, 2024, highlighted significant discussions surrounding the recent election process and the challenges faced by the elections department. The meeting featured a commendation for the elections team, acknowledging their hard work amid complications from a lengthy ballot and technical issues. Supervisor Joe and his team were praised for successfully certifying the election despite these hurdles.

One key point raised was the need for transparency regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the roster of partners involved in the election process. Concerns were expressed about the limited information available on the county's website, which currently only lists the three chairs and a link to a video, leaving the public in the dark about the full scope of involvement.

The meeting also included a detailed account of the hand count audit conducted by community members, which revealed the complexities and time-consuming nature of verifying ballots. One participant noted that achieving a 100% hand count is impractical, emphasizing the need for a more efficient counting process.

However, not all feedback was positive. Some attendees criticized the reliance on ballot tabulators, arguing that the county should revert to previous methods that allowed for quicker counting. Concerns were raised about the capacity of the current machines and the financial implications of purchasing additional equipment to meet demand.

The discussions underscored a growing frustration with the election process, particularly regarding the handling of mail-in ballots and the perceived mistrust among voters. Observers noted that many voters opted to spoil their mail-in ballots in favor of in-person voting due to concerns about the postal service and ballot security.

As Cochise County moves forward, the Board of Supervisors will need to address these concerns to enhance public confidence in the electoral process and ensure timely and accurate election outcomes in the future.