5 questions you need to ask ahead of Maricopa County's 3rd Congressional District recount

The certification is a stamp required before Secretary of State's office can conduct a recount.

PUBLISHED AUG 13, 2024

Former Phoenix City Council member Yassamin Ansari (left) leads over former state lawmaker Raquel Terán by less than 0.5 percentage points

Phoenix, Arizona: Maricopa county certified its primary election results Monday, setting in motion a recount for the Democratic nomination in an open congressional district where 42 votes separate the top contenders. The certification is mainly a stamp required before Secretary of State Adrian Fontes's office can conduct a recount in the 3rd Congressional District.

#1 Why was a recount triggered?

The primary election results in Arizona's 3rd Congressional District was separated by just 42 votes. The slim difference meant a recount was automatically triggered. Former Phoenix City Council member Yassamin Ansari leads over former state lawmaker Raquel Terán by less than 0.5 percentage points, which under Arizona law, mandates a recount.

#2 Why were the results certified in the first place?

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors certified the primary election results, known as a canvass, which is a necessary step before the recount can proceed. This certification allows the Secretary of State’s office to move forward with the recount process.

#3 When will the recount be completed?

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes has petitioned the Maricopa County Superior Court to authorize the recount. If the recount begins as planned, it is expected to be completed by August 19, with the results announced on August 20.

#4 What are some people saying in Maricopa County?

Despite the overall smooth certification process across Arizona, some residents in Maricopa County voiced doubts about election integrity during the public comment session, even suggesting that the county should switch to paper ballots "like Russia". This led to a heated exchange between Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin and a member of the public.

#5 What happened in Pinal County?

In neighboring Pinal County, the certification process was marked by tension among the all-Republican board of supervisors. One supervisor, Kevin Cavanaugh, who lost his bid for sheriff, alleged voting irregularities, which his colleagues dismissed as baseless. The board ultimately certified the results.