This blog post, written by members of the Library's Information Integrity Team, is part of a series that covers disinformation and other related subjects. The goal is to help create a well-informed citizenry of active participants who shape our world.
Find other InfoIntegrity blog posts here, opens a new window!
As the 2026 U.S. midterm general election approaches on Tuesday, November 3, what do we know about election safety?
Election systems are protected by multiple safeguards
According to the American Bar Association, opens a new window, ballot scanners and voting systems undergo rigorous testing both before and after elections take place to ensure accuracy. Further, the use of paper ballots – 98% of all votes cast - is one of the most successful methods used in elections due to the paper trail it provides.
State verification ensures accurate results
On October 5, 2026, the Arizona Secretary of State, opens a new window verified Pima County’s voting equipment by conducting a Logic & Accuracy test. Marked ballots were run through tabulation machines to verify that votes were counted correctly. The test produced 100% accurate results.
Voter fraud is extremely rare
The Associated Press, opens a new window reviewed every potential case of voter fraud in the 25 million votes cast in six battleground states in the 2020 presidential election. They found fewer than 475 potential cases. These cases were isolated and demonstrated how suspected fraud is both generally detected and exceptionally rare.
Voting by mail is safe
According to Arizona Clean Elections, opens a new window, Arizona has one of the most secure and transparent early voting systems in the country. Your ballot is tracked from start to finish, and you can track it on your Voter Dashboard, opens a new window. Further, all counties conduct post-election audits, which are publicly reported, to confirm vote counts.
Election results can take some time
Every single vote in Arizona is verified, including early ballots and ballots dropped off on Election Day. While initial results are often announced in the news after the polls close, final results can take several days to review, which ensures your vote is counted accurately.
Visit these websites to learn more:
Pima County Elections Department, opens a new window
Learn about candidates, key issues, and voting procedures to help you make informed decisions.
Pima Votes, opens a new window
This site offers cooperative election information from the Pima County Recorder's Office and the Pima County Elections Department. Find out more about:
- voter information
- polling & vote center locations
- live ballot processing
- election results
