Early voting in Arizona has started and voter enthusiasm is high. Already local officials have reported higher than average numbers of ballots being returned. A relatively new Arizona statute, signed by Gov. Ducey, allows early ballots to be counted upon receipt and before Election Day.  Given the expected surge in mail-in ballots, that is good news and should allow for speedy, accurate results reporting after polls close on November 3. 

Arizona has long been a leader in the vote by mail process. Here the election is well under way.

Once you mail-in or drop off your vote by mail ballot, you can track its progress through your County Recorder's office.  Tracking your ballot allows you to confirm that it has been received, your signature has been validated, and your ballot has been sorted for counting.

To check your ballot status, visit your County Recorder's website, and search for "Early Voting Ballot Status."  In Pima County, you can visit this link, and in Maricopa County, this one. Once you hit the landing page, you just need to enter your name and Date of Birth.  Maricopa County requires your driver's license number or voter id. No matter where you are in state, you can track you ballot through the Arizona Secretary of State's office here., though county records will be updated more frequently.

I mailed my ballot last week, and I have been following its travels.  It is in, my signature has been matched, and it's ready to be counted in time for Election Day. It took about seven days from mailing to verification for me.  So check the status of your ballot before November 3 to confirm you vote counts.  If you notice any issue, contact your County Recorder for help.

My confirmed ballot.