Transcript: Ken Bennett on vote counting

Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett chatted with readers about vote counting.

Welcome to our live chat with Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett. We'll be starting shortly, as soon as we take care of a minor technical issue.

by Johanna Eubank, StarNet... 11/14/2012 9:07:31 PM
I will be entering the answers by dictation until we can fix our issues. It will be Mr. Bennett speaking.

by Johanna Eubank, StarNet... edited by Debbie Kornmiller, SN producer 11/14/2012 9:17:04 PM
Mr. Bennett, is it certain that no widespread vote fraud is occurring? Or would that be wishful thinking?

by JG 11/14/2012 9:19:26 PM
That's not wishful thinking at all. None of the counties have made us aware of any widespread vote fraud.

by Johanna Eubank, StarNet... 11/14/2012 9:20:27 PM
Would it be possible to set the deadline for early ballots to be mailed one to two weeks BEFORE election day? This would encourage the procrastinators to make a choice and get it in the mail.

by ann sajecki 11/14/2012 9:21:07 PM
No matter when a deadline is set for mailing it back, State law focuses on whether the ballot is in the possession of election officials by 7pm on election day. I don't see how we can deny ballots dropped off at the polls by 7.

by Ken Bennett 11/14/2012 9:24:45 PM
What is the possibility of having the early votes pre-counted to avoid problems like we have to endure.

by BigByrd 11/14/2012 9:25:00 PM
When can we expect this process to be completed

by Bryan 11/14/2012 9:26:31 PM
The counties can and do start counting early ballots seven days before election day.

by Ken Bennett 11/14/2012 9:26:46 PM
When will all the votes be counted

by Sheldon 11/14/2012 9:27:52 PM
Just as in 2008, when it took 15 days to fully process the ballots, I think we will be finished by mid next week, which will also be right at 15 days.

by Ken Bennett 11/14/2012 9:28:41 PM
What is the status of the pilot project to allow digital scans of ballots? I know Pima County is very interested in testing this technology.

by Carli Brosseau 11/14/2012 9:30:42 PM
The project is on hold until after this election. We are happy to restart discussions with the county as soon as possible.

by Ken Bennett 11/14/2012 9:33:22 PM
Can the count change the outlook of the senate race

by Sheldon 11/14/2012 9:33:43 PM
If a person concede and now wins can they take office

by Sheldon 11/14/2012 9:33:47 PM
Conceding" is not an official act recognized in state law. the results are only final after the official canvass. All races can change up until all ballots are counted and canvassed

by Ken Bennett 11/14/2012 9:36:38 PM
There is a fire alarm in the Capitol building. This chat will be on hold until we can re-enter the building.

by Johanna Eubank, StarNet... 11/14/2012 9:36:42 PM
Johanna reports that firefighters are still in the building and the evacuation is continuing. We will try to reschedule the chat. Thanks for your patience and for joining us today. This ends today's chat.

by Debbie Kornmiller, SN producer 11/14/2012 9:55:16 PM