Chain of Custody
The documentary scrutinizes the chain of custody for Arizona's election ballots, revealing tracking lapses and documentation gaps that raise questions about the security and transparency of the electoral process.
Heather Honey
Executive Director
Election Research Institute
" Chain of custody is one of the most important methods to provide any security for a mail-in ballot. "
WATCH FULL MOVIEFAQ on Chain of Custody in the Arizona Election
Research Documents from VerityVote.us
Ballot Chain of Custody Violations—Maricopa 2022
Long withheld documents show a chain of custody failure affecting tens of thousands of ballots.
Long Withheld Records Reveal More than 20,000 Mail Ballots Received After the Legal Deadline
Maricopa County withheld requested public documents for nearly seven months. These documents show 18,000 additional late ballots not previously reported.
Maricopa Undelivered Ballots—Whereabouts Unknown
Verity Vote found over 56,000 Maricopa County live ballots were undeliverable. Those ballots are election materials that The Recorders Office admits they did not retain. The law requires that election materials be retained.
740,000 Ballots Have No Documented Chain of Custody.
County records show problematic retrieval of early voting ballots from vote centers and drop box locations. Numerous violations of Arizona election law are revealed.
Double-Scanning of Ballots and the Need for Reconciliation
The need for reconciliation is well-demonstrated by multiple documented examples of double-tabulating of ballots.
Maricopa Dropbox Chain of Custody
Maricopa County officials violated Arizona law and do not have the required chain of custody for at least 740,000 ballots.
Chain of Custody
Verity Vote - Arizona Senate Presentation - January 30,2022
2019 Arizona Election Procedures Manual
Katie Hobbs - Completing a long overdue update to the Elections Procedures Manual has been one of my Administration’s highest priorities since transitioning into office in January 2019.
Fundamental Importance
The documentary on the Arizona election underscores the critical importance of chain of custody in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Chain of custody refers to the secure and traceable movement of ballots from the moment they are cast until they are officially counted. This process is fundamental in ensuring that each vote is protected from tampering, loss, or unauthorized alteration, thereby upholding the sanctity of each ballot.
Handling and Transfer Issues
A significant concern highlighted in the film is the handling and transfer of ballots within voting centers and to central counting facilities. The documentary reveals instances of procedural lapses, such as overfilled ballot compartments and the unregulated access of multiple poll workers to these ballots. These practices raise questions about the consistency and security of the ballot handling process, suggesting a potential risk of mishandling or misplacement of ballots during transit.
Documentation and Transparency
The documentary also sheds light on the inadequacies in documentation and transparency of the chain of custody. It points to the lack of detailed tracking records for ballots, especially as they are transferred to third-party entities for counting and processing. This lack of transparent record-keeping casts doubt on the ability to verify the uninterrupted and secure journey of each ballot, which is crucial for establishing trust in the election results.
Call for Enhanced Procedures
In its conclusion, the documentary calls for enhanced procedures and oversight in the chain of custody process. It suggests the implementation of more rigorous tracking systems, thorough training for election workers in handling ballots, and the adoption of standardized, transparent practices for ballot storage and transport. These improvements are vital for reinforcing the confidence of voters and stakeholders in the electoral system, ensuring that every vote is accurately and securely counted.