Pinal County has inaugurated its new Pinal VOTES Election Center, a high-tech hub for the county's electoral operations, named the Pinal VOTES Center—VOTES standing for Voter Operations Technology and Election Services. For $32 million, the facility sits in Florence at 320 West Adamsville Road and was completed within a swift timeframe of sixteen months, which Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Jeffrey McClure characterized as a “Herculean Effort.” The opening ceremony, which occurred on Tuesday, offered a glimpse into the center that's prepared to handle the upcoming Primary Election set for July 30, as per Pinal County.
The 53,000 sq ft space not only dwarfs its predecessor in Coolidge, but it also promises to accommodate future growth, coinciding with Pinal County's expected population boom. Enhancements at the site include greater security, improved processes, and a push for transparency, all of which come as a response to the 2022 Elections. Featuring the collaborative efforts of Recorder Dana Lewis, Supervisor Jeffrey McClure—who chaired the Board when the project began back in 2022—, and County Management, the project was realized with the architectural vision of Swan Architects and the building prowess of FCI Constructors.
One of the distinctive elements of the new building is the 'Fishbowl', a viewer-friendly room offering a 360-degree perspective, central to the ongoing election processes. This symbol of openness is a part of the county's broader gesture to enhance civic engagement, with Recorder Lewis and the Elections Department introducing 'Tuesday Tours' of the center which community members can sign up for via the Pinal County website.
"This structure is the culmination of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and collaboration. It is a testament to the unwavering commitment of all of those who have labored to bring this project from thoughts and lines on paper to brick-and-steel reality. It is here that the will of the electorate will be faithfully and accurately recorded," Recorder Dana Lewis expressed at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mike Goodman, Chairman of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, added, "It was the goal and the intent of our Board of Supervisors to set things in motion that would help restore the confidence in our God-given right to voice ourselves and to have those voices heard," as stated by Pinal County.
