Can someone change my vote?

No. After a ballot is verified and accepted it cannot be altered. Arizona uses strict chain-of-custody procedures and bipartisan oversight from issuance through certification.

Are voting machines secure?

Yes. Voting equipment is not connected to the internet and must pass required logic and accuracy testing before each election. Systems are protected by layered cybersecurity and monitored by local and state officials.

Do all votes really count in Arizona?

Yes. All eligible ballots cast by mail, in person, or at early voting locations are verified and counted. Counties conduct public hand-count audits of samples to confirm machine tabulation accuracy before results are certified.

How can I track my ballot in Arizona?

Use Arizona's ballot tracking tools to follow your ballot from when it is mailed or dropped off through verification and counting. Tracking provides real-time status updates for transparency.

What safeguards protect Arizona elections?

Arizona relies on multiple safeguards including strict chain of custody for ballots, public post-election audits, bipartisan oversight, and comprehensive cybersecurity controls on election systems.

What happens after Election Day to ensure accuracy?

Counties perform post-election hand-count audits on samples to verify machine results, followed by a multi-step certification process that confirms accuracy before results become final.

How can voters help strengthen election security and trust?

Track your ballot, rely on trusted official sources such as azcleanelections.gov, contact your county recorder or election officials with questions, and share verified facts to counter misinformation.

Building Confidence in Arizona Elections | Arizona Clean Elections

Building Confidence in Arizona Elections

In today’s world, where misinformation can spread faster than the truth, it’s natural for us to wonder whether our voices are truly heard and whether our ballots are secure. The good news is that Arizona’s elections are protected by some of the strongest safeguards in the country, safeguards designed to uphold accuracy, fairness, and transparency at every step.

At Arizona’s Citizens Clean Elections Commission, our role is to make these protections clear and accessible. We provide trusted, nonpartisan information that explains how elections work and why every ballot counts. From ballot tracking to post-election audits, understanding these processes is the key to our confidence.

When we, as voters, are informed, we don’t just trust the system; we strengthen it. Civic engagement begins with knowledge, and by learning more about Arizona’s election safeguards, we can all take part with confidence and ensure our voices are heard.

The Foundation: Security and Transparency

Arizona has earned a reputation as a national leader in election security. Every step of our voting process, from registering to casting and counting ballots, is designed with transparency and accountability in mind.

Ballot Tracking: We can track our ballot every step of the way. From the moment we mail or drop off a ballot to when it’s verified and counted, ballot tracking tools let us follow the process in real time.
Cybersecurity Protections: Our election systems are safeguarded by layers of advanced cybersecurity, including firewalls, encryption, and constant monitoring. Local and state officials also work with national security experts to protect against digital threats.
Chain of Custody: Ballots are handled with strict chain-of-custody procedures, ensuring they remain secure from the moment they’re issued until the final count is certified.

These measures aren’t just internal processes; they’re public assurances. We’re encouraged to see for ourselves how the system works, building trust through openness.

Accuracy Through Checks and Audits

One of the strongest protections for our elections is the commitment to accuracy. After every election, officials conduct checks that go beyond the initial count.

Post-Election Audits: Counties perform hand-count audits of a sample of ballots. These audits are conducted in public and confirm the accuracy of machine tabulation.
Certification Process: Election results aren’t final until they’re certified. This involves multiple reviews to ensure every eligible vote was counted correctly.
Bipartisan Oversight: Election boards include members from more than one political party, ensuring that no single group has oversight of the process.

These steps are designed to catch errors, confirm accuracy, and give us confidence that election outcomes reflect the will of the voters.

Addressing Concerns Directly

Misinformation thrives when we don’t have access to clear, trusted information. By addressing concerns directly, Clean Elections helps us separate fact from fiction.

For example:

“Can someone change my vote?” No. Once a ballot is verified and accepted, it cannot be altered.
“Are voting machines secure?” Yes. Voting equipment is air-gapped (never connected to the internet) and must pass rigorous testing before each election.
“Do all votes really count?” Yes. Every eligible ballot, whether cast by mail, in person, or at an early voting location, is verified and counted.

By giving ourselves straightforward answers, we replace uncertainty with confidence.

Our Role in Election Security

Election security isn’t just about systems and safeguards; it’s also about us. Every voter plays a role in strengthening trust in our elections.

Here are a few ways we can help:

Track Our Ballot: Use Arizona’s ballot tracking system to follow our vote from start to finish.
Rely on Trusted Sources: Visit official websites like azcleanelections.gov for accurate election updates.
Ask Questions: If we’re unsure about a process, we can reach out to our county recorder or election officials. They are there to help us.
Share Facts, Not Rumors: When we hear misinformation, we can use what we know to share the truth with friends and family.

When we take these steps, we not only build our confidence but also strengthen trust in our communities.

Building Confidence Together

Confidence in elections doesn’t come from one safeguard alone; it comes from all the protections, checks, and transparency measures that work together to protect every vote.

Clean Elections is committed to giving us the tools and knowledge we need to participate with confidence. At the heart of this effort is a simple truth: our votes are safe, our voices are heard, and our participation matters.

When misinformation creates doubt, facts restore trust. Arizona’s elections are built on security, accuracy, and transparency, giving us all the confidence to take part. By staying informed and engaged, we can be sure that when we cast our ballots, our voices truly count.

September - 2025