I’m proud that 1.56 million Maricopa County residents voted in the 2022 election. It’s the second-highest midterm election turnout for Maricopa County in the last 50 years. Here are some additional interesting statistics.
- 52% of the votes cast were sent in early by mail
- 22% of the early ballots returned were dropped off at a polling site on election day
- 16% of votes were made in person at polling booths on election day
- Maricopa County voter turnout was 64.2%. The voter turnout for the state of Arizona was 62.6%.
I’ve repeatedly stated and did so again at Monday’s Board meeting, that the County takes responsibility for the ballot printer issues that occurred at some polling sites. Any negative incident or experience is unacceptable to me. I empathize with any voters who did not have an optimal experience on Election Day, and I will see to it that the County addresses this. I have questions about what happened, and I want to get to the bottom of it. However, we must be vigilant in thwarting and refuting misinformation that gets spread on social media. I have seen a lot of misinformation get spread after each of the last two elections which only serves to sow confusion, doubt, and acrimony.
Finally, and most importantly, I believe changes must be made at the County and state levels regarding election procedures. I will push for the County to review, firm up, and improve election procedures. I share the frustration of many who wonder why we don’t have more votes counted on election night. But state law dictates how counties tally votes in Arizona, and we must be mindful of well-intentioned ideas that could create unintended consequences. Therefore, I have studied how Florida overhauled their election system and I’m studying other states too. I believe we can make substantive changes in Arizona, and I intend to push and be an advocate for the changes that need to be made at the County level and those that need to be made at the state legislature.
Ribbon Cutting for NOAH’s New Cholla Health Center in Scottsdale
I was honored to attend and give remarks at the beautiful new Cholla Health Center in Scottsdale. The new Cholla Health Center is the integration of three Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH) East Valley locations into one facility. This clinic will have the capacity to serve a higher volume of patients, offer more services, and ultimately help more people than the previous locations combined. This is a great addition to Scottsdale and the surrounding East Valley communities. Video of the Ribbon Cutting Event – YouTube
Arizona Giving Machines Ribbon Cutting in Gilbert
I was fortunate to attend the Ribbon Cutting for the Light the World Giving Machines placed at the Town of Gilbert Water Tower the week before Thanksgiving. It was a beautiful and moving ceremony. The machines are paid for by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and 100% of the proceeds go to local charities who then deliver your selected gift to an individual or a family in need. The gift may be meals for a family, a soccer ball, a pair of tennis shoes, or a scholarship that will allow a child in Africa to get an education. It is your choice.I was thrilled to make my choice knowing that I had done something to share the light of goodness and love in my community. What a great way to bring us together as a community and as people, as brothers and sisters on this planet earth. For Giving Machine Locations Near You
Visiting Head Start
I had a wonderful time reading to children at a Head Start school in Mesa. Maricopa County runs 6 Early Head Start classrooms, 18 Head Start classrooms, and 2 Home Bases in District 2. This is an effective program for children aged 12 months to 5 years. I was particularly impressed by the professional, award-winning staff. Each child is cared for and welcomed into a safe learning environment.
I was honored to meet with a few parents and hear from them as they told me about their appreciation for what Head Start has done for their families.
One of the parents said, “Head Start has been a game changer for our family! The staff…continually work with our [children’s] medical and behavioral needs to help them learn and grow so much.”
Another parent said, “It is you all there at the first Methodist Church Head Start that has taught all three [of my] kids and motivated them to look at life with passion in anything they do. We are glad that six years ago we joined Head Start.”
Video: Supervisor Galvin reading a book to Head Start students
Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Gaming Grant Luncheon
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Scottsdale held its annual Gaming Grant Luncheon. At this terrific event, they honored the organizations that do great work throughout Maricopa County. Click on the video button for comments I made at an earlier Board Meeting.
Comments from BOS formal 11/2/2022
Good Government in Gilbert
Supervisor Jack Sellers, District 1, and I had a great time in Gilbert participating in Gilbert’s Chamber of Commerce Good Government Series. We discussed a wide variety of topics including economic development, water, transportation, housing, and public safety.
