Maricopa County is conducting new logic and accuracy tests on its election equipment following an alleged theft by a temporary election worker last week.
According to the county recorder’s office, the employee was terminated on Friday, and the county sheriff’s office has launched an active investigation into the incident.
The suspect, Walter Ringfield, allegedly stole a fob and remains in police custody. The Washington Post reported that Ringfield claimed the fob was intended for elections-related use, leading to heightened concerns among county officials.
On Friday morning, during a routine inventory check, Maricopa County election workers discovered that an item had been taken from the Ballot Tabulation Center on Thursday evening. Staff immediately initiated an investigation and contacted the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, a county spokesperson informed reporters in an email on Monday morning.
“The stolen item has been recovered. However, to ensure the integrity of Maricopa County Elections, election workers are reprogramming and re-conducting logic and accuracy testing of all equipment,” the email stated.
The Arizona Secretary of State’s office stated that the actions taken after the theft should reassure the public about the security measures in place.
“Our systems are not only designed to detect anomalies but are also supported by dedicated professionals committed to upholding the democratic process. While this event is unwelcome, it demonstrates the effectiveness of the security protocols built into Arizona’s election systems,” the statement said.
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