Maricopa County Engages BerryDunn for Independent Election Audit

Maricopa County Initiates Independent Audit of Election Practices

In a bid to bolster transparency and improve the efficiency of its electoral system, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has engaged BerryDunn, a nationally recognized consulting firm, to conduct a thorough analysis of its election processes. This decision aligns with the board’s earlier commitment to review election operations, emphasizing a proactive approach to voter confidence and operational integrity.

The independent review will assess key aspects of the electoral process, including the chain of custody, physical security protocols, and the management of ballot drop boxes. This initiative comes as part of the county's strategic plan, reinforced by funding specifically dedicated to external evaluations of their election system, which was earmarked in a February decision by the board.

BerryDunn is not new to Maricopa County; the firm previously provided support through internal audits following the August 2018 Primary election. The updates made to the county's election operations since that time have set the stage for this additional examination, which seeks to ensure that operations are both secure and efficient.

Notably, the selection of BerryDunn was conducted by the county's internal audit department, without involvement from the Board of Supervisors. This independent selection process underscores the county’s commitment to an unbiased and rigorous assessment.

The agreement with BerryDunn spans until June of the next year, with early findings from the review expected as soon as this fall, potentially offering valuable insights into the county's electoral practices.