Maricopa County’s Strategic Masterplan for the Electrifying Election Day Showdown

As Election Day approaches, preparation is in full swing at the elections center in downtown Phoenix. Jennifer Liewer, the deputy elections director for communications in Maricopa County, is overseeing the setup of a media tent in the parking lot. It’s crucial to accommodate the hundreds of journalists expecting to cover the event.

Liewer reflects on past experiences when the county faced unexpected scrutiny during previous elections. In 2020, Maricopa was thrust into the spotlight when Donald Trump’s allies sought to recount ballots after the former president alleged a rigged election. Similar tensions arose during the midterm elections after technical issues at polling stations prompted claims of voter fraud by then-GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake.

This year, with both Trump and Lake back on the ballot, Maricopa is once again a focal point. The county braced for extensive media coverage, receiving nearly 700 credential applications from journalists eager to report on what many consider a pivotal election.

To adapt to this attention, Liewer and her team implemented extensive media strategies. They enhanced staffing to field inquiries, prepared informative packets for reporters, and established a live fact-checking page on their website. The county invested significantly in the setup of media facilities, costing around $35,000.

In her office, Liewer is busy coordinating logistics for the event. Communication flows rapidly among staff as they finalize arrangements, checking that voters can still access ballot drop boxes amidst the preparations. Liewer draws on her past experiences in high-pressure roles, including crisis management for the American Red Cross following 9/11 and her work during the 2008 Super Bowl.

Maricopa County officials have adopted a proactive approach to counter misinformation after grappling with fallout from past elections. The county’s communication strategy evolved significantly since the 2020 election, especially after an audit led by Cyber Ninjas fueled baseless allegations. Supervisor Bill Gates noted a radical shift in tactics, emphasizing the need to defend the electoral integrity of their staff and the county.

The urgency of the situation has led to the establishment of a communications command center, reflecting lessons learned from the preceding elections. The strategy now prioritizes immediate responses to misinformation and enhancing public confidence leading up to the election.

Liewer stresses transparency and honesty in her communications while navigating criticism regarding past information withheld by county officials. She remains committed to providing accurate updates to the public, aware of the critical nature of this election in restoring trust in the electoral process.

As Election Day draws closer, Liewer remains focused on her responsibilities. She coordinates a press conference addressing potential delays and clarifying voter information. The growing influx of media requests only adds to the urgency of her role.

At a recent press conference, Liewer and other county officials reinforced their commitment to combatting misinformation actively. They aim to provide timely responses that uphold voter rights and ensure effective communication in one of the most scrutinized electoral environments in the country. The Election Day landscape has changed, and Maricopa County officials are preparing to navigate it with a focus on transparency and integrity.