Arizona prepares for July 2025 special primary election in Congressional District 7

In the bustling atmosphere of Yuma County's city hall, officials gathered on June 23, 2025, to discuss preparations for the upcoming special primary elections for Arizona's Seventh Congressional District. With the clock ticking down to the July 15 primary, Recorder David Lara provided an update that highlighted both the challenges and the progress made thus far.

Lara, who is navigating his first election cycle, reported that 27,106 ballots had been sent out, primarily to overseas voters. However, the early response has been tepid, with only 63 ballots returned and 14 individuals voting in person. "Primaries typically see low turnout," Lara noted, emphasizing his efforts to boost participation through media outreach. He expressed optimism that this election would serve as a valuable practice run for the more significant general election scheduled for September 23.

Kika Guzman, the elections director, followed with a detailed presentation on the logistics of the election. She explained that the special election was called to fill the vacancy left by the late Congressman Raul Grijalva. Guzman outlined key dates and deadlines that had already passed, including the candidate filing period, and proposed changes to voting locations to better accommodate voters. Notably, the Foothills Library would be removed as a voting site, while the Cesar Chavez location in San Luis would be added, along with the Summerton Community Center, which offers more space than the previously designated library.

The meeting also touched on the importance of communication, with Guzman highlighting efforts to disseminate election information in both English and Spanish. This includes signage at voting centers to clarify that only voters from the Seventh Congressional District are eligible to participate.

As the discussion progressed, questions arose regarding the age and reliability of voting equipment, with Guzman confirming that the current machines were purchased in 2018 and typically have a lifespan of about ten years. Plans for updating equipment ahead of the 2026 elections were also mentioned, with preliminary estimates suggesting costs could reach around a million dollars.

The meeting concluded with a sense of readiness and determination among officials to ensure a smooth election process. As Yuma County gears up for this pivotal moment, the focus remains on engaging voters and ensuring that every eligible voice is heard in the upcoming elections.