Recorder: over 900 returned ballots, county investigating postal delivery issues ahead of July election

Navajo County Recorder David Marshall warned the board that the recorder’s office has received more than 900 returned ballots ahead of the upcoming election and is investigating whether delivery problems at the postal service are affecting voters.

"Right now, we have 78,207 registered voters in Navajo County," Marshall told the board, adding that 5,275 registrations are marked inactive. He said the office received over 900 return‑to‑sender ballots and is working with local post offices and the postmaster in Phoenix to identify delivery issues.

Marshall said the office sent 800 letters to voters whose ballots were returned explaining the reason and telling them they can still vote in person at the recorder’s office through July 17 or vote at their polling place on election day, July 21. He also noted early ballot returns tracked to county ballot boxes and that the office is pursuing duplicate‑registration checks with other states.

Marshall said the office is creating a 'Recorder's Corner' webpage to post updates every 30–60 days and called for public patience while the office and postal service resolve the delivery problems.

Board members thanked Marshall and his staff; no policy action was taken at the meeting. Marshall said the office will continue outreach and monitoring through election day.