Maricopa County Enhances Oversight with New Signature Verification Observer Program

By Staff Reporter |

In a significant policy shift, Maricopa County will now allow election volunteers to closely observe the signature verification process. County Recorder Justin Heap made this announcement on Monday, emphasizing the move as a step toward increased transparency and trustworthiness in elections.

Observers will not have access to voters’ party affiliations during this process. Heap noted, “This change allows bipartisan election observers to more directly observe the Signature Verification process,” and termed it a vital reform for future elections.

To safeguard voter privacy, the county will eliminate the display of political party information and any personally identifying data on the signature verification screen. This policy will take effect with the upcoming May 2025 elections.

Heap’s announcement also shed light on discrepancies from previous administrations regarding voter information accessibility. He revealed that election workers were previously able to view party affiliations by scrolling down their screens during signature verification, contrary to assurances given to voters. “Previously, voters were assured by election officials that no party or personally identifying data was available to signature verifiers,” Heap stated, highlighting issues he found during his review of election procedures.

Under the former policies, election volunteers were restricted to observing the signature verification process from a hallway, preventing meaningful input. Heap remarked, “Removing that data will accomplish two important things: it brings bipartisan observers back into the room to scrutinize the process and ensures that verifiers do not know the party affiliation of the voters whose signatures they are verifying.”

Heap’s focus on improving the signature verification process was a central theme during his campaign against former Recorder Stephen Richer. He referenced a personal experiment with the verification process that inspired his commitment to raise standards.

With the 2024 presidential election approaching, the state recently implemented legally binding signature verification rules. These rules require the rejection of early ballot envelopes when signatures do not match registered records. Starting next year, voters can bypass the signature check by presenting their ID when returning their early ballots in person.

Heap’s new policy marks a pivotal change in how elections are conducted in Maricopa County, aiming to strengthen public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.