Debunking Election Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

In a time when information travels fast and misinformation travels even faster, knowing the truth about elections has never been more important. Myths and rumors can make people feel unsure about voting or even discourage them from participating. That’s why Arizona’s Citizens Clean Elections Commission is committed to empowering all Arizonans with facts, not fear.

Misinformation is everywhere, so we’re setting the record straight on the most persistent election myths. By separating fact from fiction, we hope to build confidence, ensure transparency, and help every eligible voter feel informed and ready to cast their ballot.

Myth #1: “My vote doesn’t really count.”

The truth: Every vote matters, especially in local and state elections. In fact, many Arizona elections have been decided by just a handful of votes. These races often determine decisions about schools, public safety, infrastructure, and other issues that impact your daily life. Your voice is your power, and every vote helps shape your community.

Myth #2: “Voting by mail isn’t safe.”

The truth: Arizona has one of the most secure and transparent early voting systems in the country. Voting by mail is not new. It has been used safely and effectively in Arizona for decades. Ballots are tracked from the time they’re sent to the moment they’re received and verified. You can even sign up for text or email alerts to track your ballot's status from start to finish. You can track your ballot right here on your Voter Dashboard.

Myth #3: “I can’t trust that my ballot will be counted accurately.”

The truth: Arizona’s election system includes multiple layers of verification to ensure accuracy and integrity. All counties conduct post-election audits to confirm vote counts. The results of those audits are publicly reported and consistently confirm the accuracy of the official results. Election equipment is also tested before and after each election to ensure it's working correctly.

Myth #4: “Only people who belong to a political party can vote.”

The truth: Arizona has an open primary system for voters who are registered as independents or with a party not recognized in the primary. That means if you’re a voter who isn’t affiliated with a political party, you can still vote in partisan primary elections. You just need to request a ballot for one party. You still have a voice in shaping who appears on the general election ballot.

Myth #5: “You can’t vote if you’ve moved recently.”

The truth: You can vote. You just need to update your voter registration with your new address. It only takes a few minutes to check and update your information. Keeping your registration current ensures that you receive the correct ballot and voting information for your area.

Myth #6: “Election results are available immediately.”

The truth: Accurate results take time. Arizona prioritizes accuracy over speed, and that means verifying and counting every valid vote, including early ballots and ballots dropped off on Election Day. While initial results are posted after the polls close, final results can take several days. That’s normal, and it ensures your vote is counted.

Why Debunking Matters

Misinformation thrives when there’s uncertainty. That’s why we created the Debunking Election Myths initiative. This ongoing effort provides a clear, reliable source of truth for voters. It includes:

• Easy-to-understand articles like this one
• Shareable graphics and social posts to counter false claims
• In-depth videos explaining voting processes
• Links to verified election sources and voter tools

By focusing on facts and clarity, we aim to boost trust in Arizona’s election process and encourage more people to participate confidently.

What You Can Do

When we base our choices on truth, not fear or confusion, we all benefit. Arizona Clean Elections is here to make sure every eligible voter feels confident in the process. We don’t tell you who or what to vote for. We simply provide the facts so you can make your voice heard.

Let’s keep democracy strong together.

July - 2025