Arizona Officials Declare Emergency Amid Election Day Storms
Maricopa County officials declared a local emergency in Rio Verde Foothills to ensure voter access after severe storms washed out roads on Election Day.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency for the Rio Verde Foothills area on November 3, 2026, after torrential rains and strong winds caused road washouts. The emergency declaration followed requests from State Representatives Alex Kolodin and Cody Reim, who warned that residents cut off by the weather would be unable to reach polling centers or return ballots by the 7 p.m. deadline.
While officials managed these weather-related disruptions, political campaigning continued in Phoenix. Governor Katie Hobbs launched a canvass, criticizing Congressman Andy Biggs for his "partisan Washington agenda" and framing the election as a choice between prioritizing Arizonans or party politics.
Maricopa County election officials expect to release the first unofficial results at 8 p.m., with the counting process continuing throughout the week. In-person voters are required to provide government-issued photo identification or alternative residency documentation to cast their ballots.
