In the seven weeks that have passed since the November 8th Mid-Term General Elections, it is worth noting that of the five members of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors — each of whom sends out an e-mail newsletter on a semi-regular basis — only Supervisor Thomas Galvin (District 2) has made mention of the Election Day ballot-and-tabulator problems and frustrations encountered by voters that day.
He did so in two consecutive issues.
In his NOVEMBER 2022 Newsletter (which I received via e-mail on Thursday, Dec. 1st at 5:03 pm), Supervisor Galvin says this:
I’ve repeatedly stated and did so again at Monday’s Board meeting, that the County takes responsibility for the ballot printer issues that occurred at some polling sites. Any negative incident or experience is unacceptable to me. I empathize with any voters who did not have an optimal experience on Election Day, and I will see to it that the County addresses this. I have questions about what happened, and I want to get to the bottom of it. However, we must be vigilant in thwarting and refuting misinformation that gets spread on social media. I have seen a lot of misinformation get spread after each of the last two elections which only serves to sow confusion, doubt, and acrimony.
Finally, and most importantly, I believe changes must be made at the County and state levels regarding election procedures. I will push for the County to review, firm up, and improve election procedures. I share the frustration of many who wonder why we don’t have more votes counted on election night. But state law dictates how counties tally votes in Arizona, and we must be mindful of well-intentioned ideas that could create unintended consequences. Therefore, I have studied how Florida overhauled their election system and I’m studying other states too. I believe we can make substantive changes in Arizona, and I intend to push and be an advocate for the changes that need to be made at the County level and those that need to be made at the state legislature.
He provides a link to a video clip of his remarks at the end of the canvass meeting (Formal Meeting) held on Monday, November 28, 2022:
In his DECEMBER 2022 Newsletter (which I received via e-mail on Tuesday, December 20th at 3:46 pm), Galvin says this:
Earlier this month, I took the oath of office administered by Arizona Supreme Court Justice Kathryn H. King.
It is humbling and gratifying to be elected by the voters of Maricopa County in District 2. I am honored to represent the District on the County Board of Supervisors.
In my address, I stated that we need to review the problematic issues with some of the ballot printers on Election Day. In addition, I believe we must do a top-bottom review of all election procedures. Even if things run great, any organization must strive to see where improvements, changes, and corrections need to be made. Stay tuned!
Here, too, he provides a link to a video clip of his remarks made at his swearing-in ceremony following the Formal Meeting on Wednesday, December 7th:
I mention all of this in light of the recent ruling on the Lake v. Hobbs case, in which Supervisor Galvin and his four fellow Supervisors are among the Maricopa County Defendants named (in addition to Secretary of State and Governor-Elect Hobbs) in the lawsuit.
[Added Tuesday, December 27:] At time of publication, attorneys for Maricopa County Defendants and Secretary of State/Gov.-Elect Hobbs are seeking sanctions against Plaintiff and gubernatorial contestant Kari Lake, in the form of compensation for legal costs.