Despite the fact that Arizona statute requires a recount in a Justice of the Peace race, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors inexplicably canvassed the 2022 August Primary Election, certifying that the results are accurate.
The contest between two candidates running for Justice of the Peace for the West McDowell Precinct in the Democratic Primary has triggered an automatic recount. As directed by law, the Board of Supervisors and County Recorder have petitioned the Maricopa County Superior Court for an order to initiate the recount confirming the winner of the race.
Final results of the canvass reported Teresa Lopez receiving 2,236 votes and Robert Meza 2,233. According to state law, a recount must be performed if the margin of votes between candidates is one-tenth of 1 percent of the total votes cast, which is five votes in this contest. The results showed the candidates were separated by three votes.
The county will first program and test the equipment. The logic and accuracy test for the recount is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16 at 10 a.m. Once a successful test is completed, the county will open the sealed ballot boxes and recount the ballots. The county political parties have been invited to observe the recount process.
The Elections Department is prohibited from any public release of results during the recount. It’s expected the Superior Court judge will announce the winner by August 24.