August 15, 2022
Maricopa County Race Triggers Automatic Recount
With the official canvass of the August Primary Election complete, the contest between two candidates running for Justice of the Peace for the West McDowell Precinct in the Democratic Primary has triggered an automatic recount. As directed by law, the Board of Supervisors and County Recorder have petitioned the Maricopa County Superior Court for an order to initiate the recount confirming the winner of the race.
Find the signed court order here.
Final results of the canvass reported Teresa Lopez receiving 2,236 votes and Robert Meza 2,233. According to state law, a recount must be performed if the margin of votes between candidates is one-tenth of 1 percent of the total votes cast, which is five votes in this contest. The results showed the candidates were separated by three votes.
The county will first program and test the equipment. The logic and accuracy test for the recount is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16 at 10 a.m. Once a successful test is completed, the county will open the sealed ballot boxes and recount the ballots. The county political parties have been invited to observe the recount process.
The Elections Department is prohibited from any public release of results during the recount. It’s expected the Superior Court judge will announce the winner by August 24.
Media Information: Media may film the test and the recount through the viewing window at the Elections Department at 510 S. 3rd Ave. in Phoenix. Email [email protected] to attend.