On Saturday, Arizona officials said two “vigilantes “in tactical gear stayed outside the Maricopa County ballot drop box on Friday evening. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates and Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer put out a statement noting how this incident has led to them becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of those who would be going to the ballot drop box to exercise their right to vote.
They also added that intimidation is not legal in the voting process and that elections while monitored and transparent should not include having individuals dressed to intimidate.
The two-armed individuals left the scene after Maricopa County law enforcement arrived.
The Arizona secretary of state also told the Justice Department last week that there was a case of potential voter intimidation. This was after a person casting their ballot in Maricopa County had been followed by a group.
In the 2020 presidential election, Maricopa County became noteworthy following former President Trump’s allegations that the elections had been stolen from him. This event also led to the Senate contracting the firm Cyber Ninjas to complete an audit that would confirm whether President Biden had been the one to win the state.
State election officials said that it was their job to keep voters protected and help them feel safe regardless of which side they would be voting for.
