Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced on Thursday that he will be allocating $9 million from the federal coronavirus relief bill to support safe and secure voting during the upcoming election season.
Ducey will direct most of the AZVoteSafe funds — approximately $5 million — to county recorders and election departments for coronavirus response efforts, according to a press release.
COVID-19 response efforts will include hiring temporary staff and poll workers, increasing the number of secure ballot drop-off locations, and expanding curbside voting at polling locations.
“Voting is a fundamental right and duty in our democracy,” Ducey said in the release. “We’re working together to ensure all voters can exercise their right to vote safely this election.”
County recorders and election departments across the state will also receive the following personal protective equipment:
- 19,000 reusable face masks for election workers
- 160,000 disposable face masks for voters
- 10,000 face shields for election workers
- 175,000 pairs of gloves
- 3,200 gallons of hand sanitizer
- 2,400 bottles of disinfectant spray
Additionally, $1.5 million will be utilized to promote early voting opportunities, especially for those in rural or tribal areas.
Approximately $1.5 million will also be allocated to inform voters regarding their options concerning voting by mail and early voting.
Click here to learn more about voting in Arizona.
Click here to read Ducey’s full press release.
