How bipartisan observers help democracy and keep Arizona elections secure

The election process is being carefully watched. From security cameras at county offices to candidates monitoring polling places, there are eyes and ears on alert to ensure the safety of the voting process.

But another group plays a key role in ensuring the integrity of the vote: election observers.

With less than a week before the 2024 primary election in Arizona, these observers are already at work. They're watching as early ballots are being processed at county election offices.

These volunteers are often overlooked on election day, but they are an important part of the voting process.

Who can be an election observer in Arizona?

Election observers are registered Republicans and Democrats who sign up as volunteers. Election officials are required to allow an observer from each party at the polls and in the election center during counting, but it is up to the parties themselves to train and coordinate volunteers.

When people go to cast their vote, election observers are around to ensure there is no tampering. All these processes can still happen without observers present, but they must be allowed in if they choose to show up and watch.

This week on Election Dissection, an elections series of The Gaggle podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com hosts Mary Jo Pitzl and Sasha Hupka talk with some people who watch democracy in the process.

Jeff and Robin Greeson have been observers with the Maricopa County Democratic Party since 2018. They tell Election Dissection how the job really works and lessons they've learned over the past few years.

Despite multiple efforts from our reporters, a Republican observer did not choose to participate in this podcast.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How bipartisan observers help democracy and keep Arizona elections secure