Tabulations of early ballots in a key county in Arizona are progressing slower than anticipated, as reported by a county official. Maricopa County, which houses a majority of the state's crucial voters, is set to release the first 1.1 million to 1.2 million ballots around 10 p.m. ET or an hour after polls close. This initial count will only include votes through Tuesday, October 29, contrary to the official's earlier projection that it would encompass ballots through at least Friday, November 1.
The official cited the delay in counting to the complexity of a two-page ballot, which requires processing double the usual amount of paper. Despite the slower pace, the first drop is expected to represent 55% of the estimated total voter turnout in Maricopa County, which is home to Phoenix, the state's capital.
