In the quiet bustle of election post-processing, the Cochise County Elections Department, paired with the Hand Count Audit Board, confirmed the completion of their 2024 Primary Election hand count last Saturday. A press release on their website detailed that the hand count started at 9:00 A.M. and encompassed two vote centers and two early ballot batches, forming part of the statutory process to ensure the accuracy of election equipment prior to the official canvas.

The meticulous task of reviewing 781 ballots, a testament to democracy's rigor, unfolded over two and a half hours, with a dozen politically diverse citizens—six from each party, appointed by their county chairs—forming the backbone of this audit. Their collective efforts were in sync with state regulations, and the four hand count boards ultimately reached a consensus, affirming the tabulation equipment's unwavering accuracy. Election staff tested thousands of ballots dozens of times prior to the Pre Logic and Accuracy test and the results were a resounding 100% match.

It is a testament to the county's dedication to election integrity that not only are pre-election Logic and Accuracy Tests conducted by the election staff and the Arizona Secretary of State. But, a corresponding test ensues post-election, ensuring equipment fidelity before the Board of Supervisors performs the election canvass.