On Election Day in Apache County, Arizona, some voters faced challenges when attempting to cast their ballots due to faulty voting machines. The machines were reportedly printing only propositions and not the candidates on the ballots, leading to confusion and delays at polling locations.
According to reports, each polling location in the county has only one express voting machine (EVM), which is being used as a backup due to the malfunctioning machines. However, the EVMs are also experiencing issues, such as freezing, further complicating the voting process.
Officials, including the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, have expressed concern over the situation, with one official describing the voting issues as the worst they have ever seen in Apache County. The department is considering potential legal action to address the problems and ensure that polling locations remain open late to accommodate affected voters.
Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to assist voters, with legal groups advising against turning voters away and encouraging the use of EVMs and provisional ballots. Some voters have reported wait times of over two hours and a shortage of backup provisional ballots at certain locations.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, while unable to confirm the reports from Apache County during a news conference, emphasized the importance of voters not being discouraged and not allowing anyone to prevent them from casting their ballots.
The voting difficulties in Apache County have raised concerns about voter access and the impact on individuals in the community, particularly those who may face challenges in taking time off work to vote. The situation highlights the need for improved voting infrastructure and support to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the electoral process without obstacles.
