Board approves 2026 vote-center locations, agrees to study restoring Portal vote center

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 26-05 on Feb. 24 to approve vote-center locations for the 2026 primary and general elections and authorized the elections director to substitute centers as necessary under ARS 16-411.

Supervisor Gomez had requested the item be tabled to allow additional research into restoring a vote center in Portal, a remote community with a large senior population. The chair said the board needed to approve the existing vote centers so election planning could proceed but committed to adding a separate agenda item to consider Portal if elections staff can confirm sufficient staffing, facility availability and funding.

Public commenters from Portal told the board the community had a vote center before 2020 and faces an hour or more drive to the nearest centers in Douglas or San Simon; they said seniors and rural residents are disproportionately affected and that local volunteers and the Portal Rescue facility could support a reinstated center. One commenter said three volunteers had already committed to work the polls. County staff said machines and backup equipment exist and staff would assess whether a Portal center could be staffed and supported in time for the 2026 election cycle.

After public comment and discussion the board adopted the vote-center resolution; the motion carried 2-0 with one member not voting.