Arizona election live updates: Trump projected to win White House

Election Day is finally here. That means we're only one day away from the day we all really care about — the day after Election Day.

Unfortunately, the only way past the election is through the election, so come along with Phoenix New Times for the journey.

All throughout the day and deep into the night, we'll have regular updates for you on what's happening around the Valley. Our reporters have fanned out to bring you the sights and sounds of democracy in action in Arizona. We'll bring you their dispatches along with observations, vote tally updates, interviews and more.

Keep hitting that refresh button to see the latest.

11:29 p.m.: Decision Desk calls the race for Donald Trump

While most news organizations haven't made a call yet, Decision Desk HQ has projected Pennsylvania for Donald Trump, giving the Republican former president the necessary 270 electoral votes to reclaim the White House.

Decision Desk HQ projects that former President Donald Trump (R) has won enough electoral votes to win the Presidency.#DecisionMade: 1:21am ET

Follow live results here: https://t.co/KhbXnlljiu pic.twitter.com/8NH5YdjqkR

— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) November 6, 2024

In the end, Arizona won't be that crucial after all. — Zach Buchanan

11:17 p.m.: Anna Hernandez nearing a Phoenix City Council win

In the race to represent west Phoenix at city hall, state Sen. Anna Hernandez took a massive early lead in initial results, garnering 52.7% of votes. If her majority share of votes holds steady, she will be District 7’s next councilmember, avoiding a potential runoff election in March.

The second closest voter-getter, out of four total candidates, was former state Rep. Marcelino Quiñonez, who resigned to run for the council seat. He is backed by Mayor Kate Gallego and U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, current District 7 councilmember Carlos Galindo-Elvira, and former Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari, who previously held the seat.

Read more about Hernandez's campaign in this story.

When early results were released, Galindo-Elvira also held a strong lead in the special election to fill the council seat until April with 50.1% of the vote.

One of the most important local political bodies up for grabs is the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Voters will decide on all five seats of the board. Currently, four Republicans and one Democrat sit on the board. Conservatives have controlled the board for decades, but the shifting demographics of Maricopa County have changed the game — Democrats are currently out front in three races.

In District 1, Democrat and former Tempe City Councilman Joel Navarro holds a tight lead over Republican Mark Stewart with 51.7% of the vote. In District 3, Democrat Daniel Valenzuela leads Republican Kate Brophy McGee by 5.5%. Supervisor Steve Gallardo — currently the board's lone Democrat — is cruising to victory in District 5.

Thomas Galvin, an incumbent Republican supervisor who has fought back against election denialism, holds a significant lead in District 2 with over 56% of the vote. Republican U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko, who voted to overturn the 2020 election, has a substantial lead in District 4. — TJ L'Heureux

10:27 p.m.: Illegal hot dogs for Trump?

Hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks were reportedly served exclusively to Donald Trump voters by a pair of far-right groups and Christian nationalist pastor David MacLellan outside a Mesa polling place on Tuesday, in violation of federal election laws.

According to WIRED, members of College Republicans United and the Patriot Party of Arizona set up a cookout in the parking lot of the Mesa Convention Center, approximately 100 yards from the entrance to a polling place for Tuesday’s general election.

MacLellan — an extremist pastor with the Redeemed Baptist Church in Apache Junction who told VICE in 2022 that he believes American politics should be grounded in fundamentalist Christian values — reportedly ran the grill.

An Eventbrite page for the cookout states members of College Republicans United and the Patriot Party of Arizona would be “speaking with voters and making a final appeal for support for Donald Trump as President.”

The cookout would only serve free food to “all Trump voters,” according to its Eventbrite page, which violates federal election laws preventing gifts to a specific group of voters. (The same laws are being cited in a recent legal battle over billionaire Elon Musk’s recent sweepstakes awarding millions to Pennsylvania voters who signed his petition.)

Phoenix New Times was unable to reach a spokesperson with the Arizona Secretary of State’s office for comment on the matter. — Benjamin Leatherman

10:19 p.m.: ABC projects abortion amendment will pass

Earlier this hour, ABC News projected a win for Prop. 139, cementing a hard-won victory for abortion rights in Arizona.

ABC News has projected that Proposition 139, protecting abortion rights, will pass in Arizona, overturning the state's 15-week ban. Similar measures have also passed in Colorado and Maryland, where abortion was already legal.

[image or embed]

— Nathaniel Rakich (@baseballot.bsky.social) November 5, 2024 at 9:33 PM

Blair Moses, an abortion storyteller who described how she gathered signatures for months beginning at her local library, spoke to the crowd at the Arizonans for Abortions Access watch party, telling of their journey collecting 70,000 signatures for the initiative.

The evening wrapped a few minutes after 10 p.m., while onlookers celebrated the women-led campaign to "put decisions back in the hands of women," said Dr. Cathy Nichols, who works with Arizona List to get women elected to local, county and state offices. — Natasha Yee

10:05 p.m.: Down-ballot Democrats notch wins

While outright Democratic successes are few and far between so far, several down-ballot Democrats picked up clear wins.

At the party's Election Night event, Democrats celebrated the victory of former Phoenix City Councilmember Yassamin Ansari, who is now officially joining the U.S. House in January. She’ll be the youngest Democrat woman in the House and the first Iranian-American to serve in the body.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego was also officially reelected as for another four years, defeating longshot Matt Evans. In her acceptance speech, she thanked Phoenicians for their support.

Gallego’s son with her ex-husband, U.S. Senate candidate Ruben Gallego, brought a moment of laughter. Throughout her speech, Michael Gallego ran around the stage and stood underneath the podium at Kate Gallego’s feet.

Rep. Greg Stanton also celebrated his unsurprising reelection victory amid a thinning audience. — Morgan Fischer

9:53 p.m.: Gallego leads Lake but doesn't expect a result tonight

Enthusiasm was high for a Democratic Party success story in Arizona’s open Senate seat Tuesday night. While preliminary results remain tight, cheers were loud as U.S. Senate candidate and current Rep. Ruben Gallego took the stage with his wife Sydney Gallego at the party's Election Night event.

Gallego is leading Kari Lake by 117,000 votes and has 52% of the vote. Yet, it’s unlikely that the winner of the race will be called tonight, which Gallego recognized.

“It looks like this race won’t be called tonight but one race is already clear, we fought for Arizona,” Gallego told the audience.

Still, he seems confident he'll win. Gallego spoke on his goals for the office and had an emotional moment with some of the men he served in the U.S. Marines with and his “big Latino family,” as Gallego called them.

“Regardless of who you voted for today, I will fight for you,” Gallego said. “I will be fighting for you in Washington, D.C.” — Morgan Fischer

9:35 p.m.: Preparing for an abortion rights victory

Arizonans for Abortion Access spokesperson Chris Love prepared the crowd at the organization's watch party for victory during a speech. Prop. 139, which would put abortion rights in the state constitution, has a comfortable margin of support in early returns.

As some of the children cleared out and pizza slices disappeared from the buffet table, attendees sipped on colorful cocktails and hoped for the best. — Natasha Yee

“It's been a long and windy road, but we made it through together," Chris Love said at an Arizona for Abortion Access event as she thanked the women who told their personal abortion stories "to demonstrate why we need Prop. 139." @phoenixnewtimes pic.twitter.com/0aeFAwTsy3

— natasha yee (@natashawrote) November 6, 2024

9:23 p.m.: Mixed results for big county races

The big Maricopa County races — recorder, sheriff, attorney — are a mixed bag. Incumbent county attorney Rachel Mitchell, a Republican, looks headed for a win over Tamika Wooten. But Democrat Tim Stringham holds a narrow lead over election-skeptic Justin Heap.

Most notably, Joe Arpaio acolyte Jerry Sheridan is running ahead of Democrat Tyler Kamp for sheriff. Sheridan would be a disaster for the county and would butt heads with the federal judge who has overseen the sheriff's office for the last decade. — Stephen Lemons

9:18 p.m.: Ballot measure status check

The fate of many of the 13 statewide ballot measures is already pretty clear. Prop. 139, the abortion amendment, looks headed for a win. So does Prop. 314, which allows state and local police to enforce immigration law.

Many of the other controversial Republican-referred measures are being shot down. They are:

• Prop. 133: Locking in partisan primaries
• Prop. 134: Electoral College for citizen initiatives
• Prop. 137: No term limits for Arizona Supreme Court justices
• Prop. 138: Lowering tipped worker wages

Prop. 140, the other citizen-led initiative that would create open primaries, also looks headed for a loss. — Zach Buchanan

9:02 p.m.: 'Not quite the vibes you want' at Pattie's in Old Town

Emily Ewan and Alex Kohlhaas, visiting from Minneapolis, checked their phones over drinks at Pattie’s in Old Town Scottsdale.

“We didn’t intentionally plan on coming to a purple state on election night, but I had to come in for a conference,” Ewan said.

“We decided it was feeling a bit cagey at the hotel, so we decided to take a walk and grab a bite and some drinks,” Kohlhaas added.

The couple were trying to unplug and step away from their phones, and had enjoyed burgers at the nearby Grapevine. At Pattie’s, the bar was showing the returns on one of two screens.

“Dinner was great, and the weather is amazing, so the atmosphere was perfect. But just seeing that red got us a little nervous. So now we are checking in,” Ewan said.

“We like this part of town. It’s just a short walk, and the whole area is kitschy and we thought that would lend itself to distraction. But now, it looks like Trump is up in Minnesota, so that’s not good” Kohlhaas reflected.

Ewan was sipping a house margarita and Kohlhaas nursed a Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA.

“I usually drink PBR, but this is a slight step diagonally. With more alcohol,” Kohlhaas said.

“It’s a little stressful,” Ewan added. “Not quite the vibes you want, necessarily.” — Zach Oden

8:56 p.m.: Hobbs: 'We have to prepare for a really long evening'

Gov. Katie Hobbs took the Arizona Democrats watch party stage to urge patience waiting for election results, celebrate the work of organizers and express her hope for a flipped legislature.

“We have to prepare for a really long evening and a really long couple of days,” Hobbs told the crowd. “We put every single thing out there to make sure we are victorious.”

Yassamin Ansari, whom the Associated Press declared the winner of her race for Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, was also spotted making the rounds. — Morgan Fischer

8:50 p.m.: Harris and Trump now neck-and-neck

When they say "too close to call," this is what they mean. - Zach Buchanan

8:46 p.m.: Boogie Wit Da Hoodie concert for voters doesn't draw many

“If you voted, make some motherfucking noise!” the MC boomed into the microphone.

The response was not loud, and not just because there weren’t many people on the floor at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale early in the evening.

Angelica Contreras was one of the voters who was willing to stop and talk; she voted for Trump this year, as she did in 2020.

“Harris was already in there and did nothing,” she explained.

A young man, eager get into the arena, called back to us that he voted for Harris. Couple Melissa and Jake are not eligible to vote for reasons they did not disclose; had they been able, she would have cast her vote for Harris and Jake for Trump. Another young couple who wished to remain anonymous said they both voted for Trump.

Other attendees we spoke with told us they chose not to vote but declined to give their names, were below voting age or declined to answer any questions at all.

Perhaps it was the lax rules of acquiring the free tickets that drew a crowd far more interested in the music than the motivation behind the show.

The concert series, which also included shows tonight in Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Cleveland, was presented by #iVoted and NextGen America, two organizations devoted to increasing voter turnout, particularly among young people.

But attendees didn’t have to vote to get up to four free tickets; they could take a photo outside their home or a polling place with an unmarked ballot, share what year they would be eligible to vote if they were under 18 or list a reason why they are ineligible to vote.

Although the free concert, which also included artists Drew Yari, Kur and Westside Boogie on the bill, was a nice gesture for potential voters in a swing state, it doesn’t seem to have moved the needle on motivating folks to cast their vote in Maricopa County. — Jennifer Goldberg

8:41 p.m.: Escaping election anxiety

When Aryana Peña went to her son’s middle school on Tuesday for a mock election program with the students, she said the seventh graders found it funny to wait in line. Although her son keyed in on the stress of the election season, even in casting a faux ballot, he didn’t see how it would impact him. Peña dusted off a classic parental chestnut.

“It will when you get older,” she told him.

Afterward, Peña met up with her cousin, John Peña, downtown, first at The Churchill before grabbing beers and food at the Phoenix location of Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. Her goal was to get away from the constant online chatter around the election.

The cousins said they feel indifferent about the presidential candidate options and were more concerned with the outcome of local elections, such as the Phoenix mayoral race, and ballot items such as Proposition 139, which addresses abortion rights.

“There’s a lot of important stuff down-ballot for the state,” John said.

They didn’t have plans after Arizona Wilderness other than to continue their evening offline. — Sara Crocker

8:34 p.m.: Stars (and lookalikes) at the Arizona Democrats watch party

Gov. Katie Hobbs twin sister Becky, who quickly was mistaken for the governor herself, was in the building at the Arizona Democrats watch party. So were Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and former state Rep. Athena Salman, who left the Arizona legislature to headline the signature-gathering for Prop. 139, which would establish reproductive rights in Arizona.

"When reproductive freedom is on the ballot, Arizonans will show up and vote," Salman told the crowd. — Morgan Fischer

8:29 p.m.: MAGA hats at the Rusty Spur Saloon

At the Rusty Spur Saloon in Old Town Scottsdale, Joanna Zamora, a local singer-songwriter, took the stage.

“I’ve never played an election night, but I played the night the Suns lost in the playoffs. Tonight might not be that bad,” she said.

Zamora has been playing The Rusty Spur for three years, every Tuesday from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., This week, Zamora took the stage to The Allman Brothers Band’s “Midnight Rider.”

“It’s election night, and y'all look a little tense. Music and alcohol should help. If someone isn’t having fun, they have to buy the next round!” Zamora told the crowd.

The bar seats were full, and the patrons seemed jovial, many wearing MAGA hats and shirts. They cheered along. Among the crowd was Jesse Krienke, a coal miner from British Columbia who was taking a vacation from the Canadian weather and decided to experience the election.

“I was supposed to go back yesterday,” he said. “I had come down to catch some football and enjoy the warm temperatures, and thought, fuck it, I want to see this.”

“I don’t really have a dog in the fight. I was a brewer before COVID and then shit got too expensive. I was married to an American, now I’m dating this lady coal miner. I called her and said I had to stay. This seems like a Super Bowl,” Krienke laughed.

Zamora belted out the chorus. The crowd sang along. They were not going to catch the Midnight Rider. — Zach Oden

8:24 p.m.: Kamala Harris has a small lead in early Arizona results

The first batch of election night results in Arizona, released at 8 p.m. by the Arizona Secretary of State, includes nearly 500,000 votes.

Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are neck-and-neck, with Harris leading by 15,000, or about 3%, of votes.

The race for the U.S. Senate is not nearly as close. Rep. Ruben Gallego took an early eight-point lead over Kari Lake, who has consistently polled behind Trump.

The tightest race so far is in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, where challenger Democrat Amish Shah has a narrow 4,700 vote lead on embattled six-term incumbent Rep. David Schwiekert, a Republican.

Proposition 139, which would establish a fundamental right to abortion in Arizona, also took a massive early lead in the first batch of results. Nearly 65% of votes counted so far are in favor of the proposition. Proposition 140, which would make primaries nonpartisan, is not enjoying the same level of support — 60% of votes tallied have been against the measure. — TJ L'Heureux

8:21 p.m.: Early results show abortion rights amendment with 64% support

Traffic zoomed by a strip mall near Bethany Home Road and Seventh Street, where noisy diners convened both indoors and outdoors at Doughbird, a trendy restaurant known for its pizza and chicken. But the stakes are higher than usual; crispy chicken and rising dough won't be enough tonight.

Arizonans for Abortion Access, the group that garnered the most signatures in state history to land their abortion rights initiative on the ballot, are hoping for a victory that would ensure a fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability, generally around 24 weeks. The constitutional amendment known as Proposition 139 would also secure access to abortion past fetal viability to protect the health of the patient.

While reporters tapped away at their laptops and videographers set up their equipment, people milled about, seemingly excited and anxious. Arizona is one of ten states voting on abortion ballot measures, joining the likes of Colorado, Nevada, Nebraska, New York and Montana.

In Florida, the current law only allows abortion through six weeks of pregnancy, before many women know they are pregnant at all. Amendment 4 would have prohibited laws restricting abortion prior to fetal viability. Though the measure garnered a majority 57% vote, it did not meet the required 60% of the vote share it needed to pass, becoming the first measure to fail.

Around 8 p.m., Laura Dent, the campaign manager for the Arizona abortion initiative, introduced herself and thanked attendees for showing up, stating to the eager crowd that she hoped to reveal a victory soon. A first batch of election results showed Prop. 139 with 64% support. — Natasha Yee

8:10 p.m.: Mark Kelly and Gabby Giffords rally the base

To kick off the Arizona Democratic Party watch party in the ballroom of a North Phoenix hotel, Party Chair Yolanda Bejarano delivered a message of unity and hope at flipping the Arizona Legislature.

She was followed by Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee chair Priya Sundareshan, who offered a similar message. The party has reached out to one million voters across the state this election season and have poured money into state legislative races, including spending $1.4 million into Legislative District 4 candidates Kelli Butler and Karen Gresham.

“This was our year to make a difference,” Sundareshan said. “We can no longer allow Republicans to hijack our state’s future.”

However, the entrance of Sen. Mark Kelly and his wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, easily garnered the most excitement and applause from the packed ballroom. Kelly spoke about the efforts to flip the state legislature, the Democrats' large ground game and reproductive rights.

After the slate of Democratic officials spoke, organizers began to play MSNBC’s regularly scheduled programming with Steve Kornacki taking center stage on the ballroom’s two large TV screens. Loud cheers erupted as results from Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania rolled in. — Morgan Fischer

7:45 p.m.: A sense of normalcy at bingo night

Perhaps love — and bingo — really does conquer all.

Natasha and Jason Thompson admit they don’t talk politics much, because they don’t always see eye-to-eye and supported different presidential candidates in the election.

While that may be unimaginable for some, “we don’t let politics dictate our relationship,” Natasha said.

“We have so much respect for each other’s opinion,” added Jason.

After voting, the Phoenix couple stopped by the downtown community space of The Churchill for Bad and Boozie Bingo, a monthly event hosted by Kaitlynn Boyd. On Election Night, music from DJ Yeesus filled the space and the Phoenix Suns game lit up TVs. Aside from people wearing stickers proclaiming their votes (which earned them discounts at both of The Churchill's bars), it felt like an average Tuesday.

That was the point. Boyd said there were conversations about whether to shift the date. But ultimately it was important to move forward with an event where people could gather.

Although the Thompsons said they hoped the news would be on the TVs at The Churchill, Jason said he has been checking his phone for updates. Natasha said bingo is an opportunity to get her mind off “the most stressful election ever.”

In an era of division, the couple advised people to educate themselves and be open to listening to another’s point of view.

“People get trapped in their own bubbles a little too much," Jason said. "I think it’s actually been a good thing to hear each other’s side." — Sara Crocker

7:18 p.m.: How about some Election Night ice cream?

Ricky Gonzalez, the assistant manager at Sugar Bowl in Old Town Scottsdale, served up ice cream sundaes on election night. He has worked at the parlor since 1985, and worked several election evenings since then.

“I don’t know why, but election night is always slow. It doesn’t tend to bring people together,” Gonzalez said.

According to Gonzalez, the nostalgic restaurant and ice cream counter’s clientele tends to skew Republican, and he noted that there has been a mix of excitement and anxiety in the last few weeks for their candidate.

“I actually think the 2008 election was more intense. Everyone was on tiptoes afterward. But it does seem that regardless of what happens, a lot of people still will feel anxious,” Gonzalez said.

Past political celebrities that have visited the shop include former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sandra Day O’Connor, who would encourage the young staff to pursue their education.

Gonzalez noted the political ads drifting in from the radio, and reiterated how stressed everyone seems.

“Whoever wins, we need to relax,” he muses. “Why not have an ice cream?” — Zach Oden

7:11 p.m.: Live music at polling places

Three and a half hours before the polls closed, nearly 115 people were waiting in line at the Memorial Presbyterian Church in the east Phoenix Rancho Ventura neighborhood.

As voters waited in a line extending to the back of the parking lot, the roaming music truck “Joy to the Polls” blasted music. On the other end of the lot crowded with cars, “DJs at the Polls” played.

“Joy to the Polls” has been at various polling stations across the Valley since 7 a.m. and had traveled to this east Phoenix polling station after seeing the long line. They were packing up around 4:30 p.m. and heading to their next polling station at Burton Barr Central Library.

Their goal is to “bring music to polling locations where we see lines, trying to energize people and make them stay in line and make sure their voice is heard this election,” said Maria Lopez, a lead producer for Joy to the Polls.

“We haven’t see anyone leave, they’re pretty committed.” Lopez continued.

@JoyToThePolls was at a polling station in east Phoenix’s Rancho Ventura neighborhood to “energize people and make them stay in line and make sure their voice is heard in this election,” Maria Lopez told @phoenixnewtimes. pic.twitter.com/Vz2XeZyxYf

— Morgan Fischer (@morgfisch) November 6, 2024

Colleen Bonno, 77, is one of those committed voters. While she didn’t want to say who she was voting for, she’s been an active voter for years and lives right down the street from the polling station.

And while the line took an estimated 40 minutes for voters to get through, Bonno thought it was moving pretty quickly. Still, she was battling some intense allergies.

“There are things that need to be changed in this state,” Bono said, sporting a face mask to cover up her cough. “And I think there’s people out there who can do it.” — Morgan Fischer

7:01 p.m.: Polls are closed in Arizona (unless you're in line)

At the stroke of 7 p.m., polls in Arizona closed. But, as innumerable politicians have screamed on social media, you'll be allowed to vote if you stay in line.

There is an exception! According to Votebeat, nine polling locations in Apache County will be allowed to remain open until 9 p.m. after certain polling locations had tech issues. — Zach Buchanan

6:55 p.m.: Huge turnout at Arizona State University

Students at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus endured almost an hour-long wait to cast their votes Tuesday.

As of 3:45 p.m., the line to vote had more than 125 people waiting to vote and wrapped along Lemon Walk around the Sun Devil Fitness Complex, the only polling place located on campus.

Multiple students told New Times the line to vote had gotten steadily longer throughout the day, though some like ASU sophomore Aisha Iregbulem said she didn’t mind the wait.

“I think it’s an important thing for everyone to be able to exercise their right to vote,” she says.

Many Tempe residents were also waiting in line to vote. Michael Pawlicki, the 62-year-old owner of long-running Tempe record store The Ghost of Eastside Records, said he was impressed with the turnout.

“I’ve been voting in Tempe for years and you’d never see anyone under 25 voting back in the '90s,” he says. “A lot’s changed, apparently.”

Voters weren’t the only people participating in a lively scene in Tempe. Several political groups and organizations, ranging from ASU Young Democrats and Arizona for Abortion Access to Turning Point USA, had tents and tables along Lemon Walk.

Many offered giveaways to those in line, including a lot of free pizza and bottled water. Arizona for Abortion Access, the group behind Proposition 139, was handing out free stickers and condoms. Turning Point USA, the far-right organization aimed at young voters, gave out red MAGA hats and french fries. — Benjamin Leatherman

6:39 p.m.: Likely fake bomb threat at the Maricopa County Superior Court

According to Nicole Grigg of ABC15, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is sweeping the Maricopa County Superior Court after a bomb threat was made against the Maricopa County Recorder's Office, which is located in the court building.

BREAKING: @mcsoaz is investigating a bomb threat inside the Maricopa County Superior Court where the recorders office is located

I am told this is similar to the bomb threats across the country@mcsoaz sweeping the building now. @abc15

“No credible information to this issue” pic.twitter.com/4Rjm5o6rTN

— Nicole Grigg (@NicoleSGrigg) November 6, 2024

Navajo County has also had hoax bomb threats at four polling places today. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said earlier today the threats were designed to create disruption. — Zach Buchanan

6:25 p.m.: Why get an 'I voted' sticker when you can get a tattoo?

One business’ incentive to get people to vote? Flash tattoos for $20.

That was the offer from Sad Boy Studio, which popped up in Jobot Coffee on Roosevelt Row on Tuesday.

Pablo Sapien, who owns Sad Boy Studio, says he wanted to offer any added encouragement to people and reflect what the tattoo and piercing parlor stands for. According to Sapien, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes is a client.

“We’re supporting politicians and politics and just trying to make a difference and change,” he says.

Both Sapien and one of his flash tattoo clients, Cynthia Joy, said they were feeling anxious on election day. Joy, a downtown Phoenix resident and esthetician, said she was using the pop-up as an excuse for some self-care.

“Today is a day of change and sometimes you’ve got to go and do things that feel good,” she says with her arm flat while Sapien filled color in her first tattoo.

Joy got two tattoos, a cactus with red hearts and arrows, and an equality sign, while wearing her “I voted” sticker. — Sara Crocker

6:17 p.m.: Welcome to the center of the universe

Nothing like getting international attention.

America has too much power. People in other countries shouldn’t know what the fuck Maricopa County is.

— Rohita Kadambi (@RohitaKadambi) November 5, 2024

Of course, Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin had a very diplomatic response:

Oh I disagree! One, America is a shining city on a hill welcoming immigrants like Elon Musk, and my family from around the globe. Two, the oldest existing Constitution. Maricopa County consisting of 4.5 million people is beautiful. Parks, trails, & 72°F right now. Come visit! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/3pwnSvcHea pic.twitter.com/IvfQClT4Hv

— Thomas Galvin: Maricopa County Supervisor (@ThomasGalvin) November 5, 2024

Are we liking this scrutiny? Or would we prefer to be anonymous again every four years? — Zach Buchanan

6:02 p.m.: Fontes gives bomb threat update

At a virtual press briefing, Arizona Secretary of State shared more information about the hoax bomb threats at four polling sites in Navajo County. While Fontes previously said the threats originated from Russia, he clarified that they were sent from a .ru email address, which "doesn't necessarily mean these have come from Russia."

"The motive appears to be to ensue chaos, not to impact any political outcome," Fontes said. "We don't see anything in the pattern or the distribution alert that would make us think this is to effect a political outcome."

Fontes said he could not say which polling sites were affected. He said one shut down briefly, but not long enough to impact voting.

Fontes also reiterated to voters: "If you're line line at 7 p.m, you can vote. We want to make sure our voters understand that."

If you've been playing along with our drinking game, that's two shots.

5:38 p.m.: It has begun...

Polls on the East Coast have closed. You may now start staring at Electoral College maps. — Zach Buchanan

4:52 p.m.: Ruben Gallego kicks off one last canvass

Ahead of a midtown Phoenix canvass launch on Tuesday afternoon, Sen. Mark Kelly and U.S. Senate candidate Ruben Gallego spoke to around 50 volunteers looking to motivate Arizona voters who haven’t been out to the polls yet.

With four hours before polls closed, Gallego said he was feeling good about his likelihood to win. “I think we’ve put the coalition together to win,” he said.

Gallego also made this final pitch to undecided voters. He said Kari Lake is trying to “separate and divide Arizonans so she can have more power.”

For @phoenixnewtimes pic.twitter.com/QJ93qcs6XW

— Morgan Fischer (@morgfisch) November 5, 2024

Canvassers, who gathered in front of a campaign field office off of Indian School Road, will knock on as many voters’ doors as they can to get people out to the polls before they close at 7 p.m.

“What you are all doing is the difference between winning and losing the election,” Kelly told canvassers. “I would put our operation up against the paid operation from the Republicans any day of the week.”

Sharon Zolondek, 49, is one of those volunteers. Over the last three days, she’s been knocking on doors of Phoenix residents as the election comes to a close. While most of the people she's contacted have already voted, she’s found joy in those moments.

“We were walking up to a door this morning and somebody was in their car backing out and she’s like, ‘I’m going to the polls right now,” Zolondek said. “She was holding her ballot in her hand.” — Morgan Fischer

4:43 p.m.: Pro-abortion electioneers booted from polling place

At Grace Community Church in Flagstaff, Prop. 139 electioneers were reportedly kicked off the property by church workers, even though it is a polling place.

According to reporting from Queer News Network, the electioneers — interns for the pro-abortion organizing group Arizona List — were told to leave by workers because the church is “private property” and the owner is anti-abortion.

However, Coconino County Elections Director Eslir Musta told New Times his office spoke with the polling place’s workers and the church’s owner after it received a complaint related to the matter around 10 a.m. Musta said it was the first time the church had been a vote center and added that the Prop. 139 electioneers were back at the church with signs before noon. — TJ L'Heureux

3:57 p.m.: When Rachel Mitchell's fiance got too online

Republican Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell likely is going to cruise to reelection against Democrat Tamika Wooten. That doesn't mean she's without her critics, though.

Until earlier this year, many of those critics heard from two angry, anonymous X accounts. In a September court hearing, those accounts were revealed to belong to Paul Stout, who testified that he is Mitchell's finance. He claimed Mitchell never asked him to take on her naysayers online.

Read more in this story from Stephen Lemons. — Zach Buchanan

3:30 p.m.: Fontes reports 'unsubstantiated' bomb threats

In a virtual press conference, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said four Navajo County polling locations have been the subject of bomb threats which Fontes called "unsubstantiated."

“We have no reason to believe that any of our voters or any of our polling places are in any sort of jeopardy," Fontes said.

Fontes said federal, state and local law enforcement officials will continue to investigate the sites to ensure that they are not serious threats. He also added that the FBI had reason to believe the threats originate from Russia.

Fontes noted that his office had also received reports of misinformation being spread in Coconino County, in particular to college students. According to reports, an unidentified group was telling voters if they were not registered they could still vote on a federal-only ballot, which is not true. Unless you are registered in Arizona 29 days in advance of the election, you are not elgible to vote for anything in the state.

The secretary confirmed that some Apache County polling places did experience problems with e-poll books and printers, both on the Navajo Nation and off the reservation. Fontes said most polling locations are running properly.

With lines getting longer for the rest of the day, Fontes reminded voters that if they are in line by 7 p.m., they are eligible to stay in line and vote. — TJ L'Heureux

3:15 p.m.: Rob Schneider threatens to run for governor

Frustrated by the time it takes for Arizona to deliver election results, Valley resident Rob Schneider has hinted that he may run for governor in the future.

The Saturday Night Live alumnus and star "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo" posted on X on Monday afternoon in response to Assistant Maricopa County Manager Zach Schira stating that full election results could take a few days to announce:

"DEAR Assistant County Manager Zach Schira, As a resident of the great State of Arizona and more importantly a United States Citizen, WAITING DAYS FOR THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION IN MARICOPA COUNTY IS UNACCEPTABLE. We are NOT some BANANA REPUBLIC, WE ARE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I will do EVERYTHING in my power to have ELECTION OFFICIALS THIS NEXT ELECTION CYCLE THAT CAN COUNT ALL BALLOTS BY THE END OF THE SAME DAY OF VOTING. Even if I have to run and become Governor myself."

Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin responded on X, writing, "Rob, thanks for watching the press conference. Maricopa County expects 400,000 ballot envelopes will be dropped off today. Those have to be verified, opened, & then 800,000 pages will be fed into tabulators. We have room if you want to help, Rob. You can do it!"

Schneider is an outspoken supporter of the Republican Party and the MAGA movement. He appeared at Turning Point USA's 2023's AmericaFest event in Phoenix and, in September, released "You Can Do It!: Speak Your Mind, America," a book that is half-memoir, half-screed that purports to illustrate "Schneider's points about free expression with provocative commentary on things you aren’t supposed to question."

If you, like Schneider, need a primer on why Arizona takes this long to count votes, we've got you covered. — Jennifer Goldberg

2:49 p.m.: How Maricopa County brings the polls to disabled voters

People are heading out to the polls to fill out their ballots today. But what about the people who can't?

Check out this video to learn about Maricopa County's Special Election Board, which brings the polls to disabled voters. And read this story to learn even more. — Zach Buchanan

When disabled voters can’t make it to the polls, Maricopa County’s Special Election Board brings the polls to them.

Learn more in the full story: https://t.co/SonRvsxoIT pic.twitter.com/I60PBes4Ko

— Phoenix New Times (@phoenixnewtimes) November 5, 2024

2:33 p.m.: These restaurants are closed on Election Day

While many restaurants and bars around the Valley are offering dining deals and discounts to help their customers get through Election Day, others have decided to close.

Some explained that the closures are intended to give staff the time to make their way to the polls and vote. Others cited "training" as the reason. Either way, before you head out to dinner, check our list of dining spots that aren't open today. — Tirion Boan

2:20 p.m.: What the polls said entering Election Day

Entering Election Day, former President Donald Trump held a 2.1-point lead in the state over Vice President Kamala Harris in polls, according to FiveThirtyEight's polling average.

The organization, whose polling is based on the average of many state and national polls, shows Trump leading with 48.9% of the vote in the Grand Canyon State and Harris trailing at 46.8%. The New York Times/Siena College Poll boasts similar numbers, predicting Trump continues to lead in the state with 49% of the vote.

But while Trump may be leading in Arizona’s polling, Harris is holding onto a slight polling lead nationwide. FiveThirtyEight has Harris polling with a 1.2-point lead over Trump as of Nov. 5.

The final national NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll shows Harris with a four-point lead. However The New York Times/Siena College Poll predicts Harris and Trump to be in a dead heat, an exact 48% each.

It’s safe to say, this will be a close race. — Morgan Fischer

2:16 p.m.: These Arizona Supreme Court justices are on the ballot

Two of the state's Republican justices on the Arizona Supreme Court, Clint Bolick and Kathryn King, are facing tough retention elections today. Both voted in favor of reinstating the state's 1864 near-total abortion ban.

Both would keep their seats if Proposition 137 passes. Here's a primer on each:


Clint Bolick

Read about all the state Supreme Court justices in our guide. — TJ L'Heureux

1:58 p.m.: Hear from voters about abortion rights

Early this morning, New Times caught up with a couple of voters who cast their ballots at Burton Barr Central Library. Here's what they had to say. — Itzia Crespo

@phoenixnewtimes Today is the big day. 🗳️ You’ve have been blasted with campaign emails and texts, constant visits from presidential candidates and countless signs on street corners for months. Here’s why some Valley residents headed to the polls early today. More to come at phoenixnewtimes.com 🎥: Itzia Crespo . #PhoenixNewTimes #PhoenixAZ AZNews #AZVote #WomensRights ♬ original sound - Phoenix New Times

1:41 p.m.: Of course the Trump Train has a stripper pole

1:23 p.m.: Might as well start day drinking

It's an American tradition: Once a year, we all get drunk on a Tuesday.

If you want to get started now or if you're going to crack open an adult beverage this evening once polls close, we've got you covered. Be sure to play — responsibly! — our Election Night Drinking Game. — Zach Buchanan

Nervous about the election? Our drinking game will help you get through an anxiety-ridden night as we all wait to see who wins.

Drown your sorrows — or toast your victories — responsibly. 🥂 pic.twitter.com/XeCyX1ZWe3

— Phoenix New Times (@phoenixnewtimes) November 5, 2024

12:42 p.m.: Independents showing up big time

Republicans entered the day with a clear early-vote turnout advantage — though, again, that doesn't tell you how many defected and voted against Donald Trump. That advantage has persisted so far on Election Day. Democrats have yet to make up the turnout gap.

But independents, which make up the second-largest slice of voters in the state, are making huge turnout gains, according to analysis by Sam Almy.

High Noon Maricopa Update:

Indy voters had the most check ins the past hour. GOP totals are decreased while Dems are just under 4k again

Last Hour: 18.3k
🔵: 3.8k🔴: 7k⚫: 7.5k

All Day Total: 112.2k
🔵:22.7k🔴:46k⚫:43.4k

All Day % of ballots
🔵: 20.3% 🔴: 41% ⚫:38.7% pic.twitter.com/NeCKQ09XlD

— Sam Almy (@sfalmy) November 5, 2024

How they swing will swing the election. — Zach Buchanan

12:23 p.m.: Tom Horne shenanigans?

According to Steven Slugocki, a senior advisor to Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne may have been caught electioneering:

Word has it that @RealTomHorne was at the polling place at PVCC this morning. He was asked to leave by the staff.

He was collecting petition signatures for his 2026 run with people in line inside the 75 foot line.

— Steven Slugocki (@Slugocki) November 5, 2024

In a statement to New Times, Horne wrote:

"Almost all of the morning was at a different polling place where I stayed at all times outside the 75 foot limit. Later I went to Paradise Valley Community College where I saw a 75-foot sign to my right, estimated a circumference, and got two or three signatures on my petition for reelection in 2026. Someone pointed out to me another limit sign that showed I was inside the limit. I immediately stopped getting signatures, wrote down an address I had gotten orally, while I could remember it, and then immediately left." — Zach Buchanan

12:17 p.m.: Where to eat on Election Day

Phoenix restaurants are working to ease the stress of Election Day with dining deals and discounts today. Make sure to keep that "I Voted" sticker, because it can earn you a free pancake or burrito, $2 off a beer or specialty cocktail or a five-cent glass of wine.

Check out our full list of Valley bars and restaurants offering discounts and freebies. Whether you're stressing or celebrating, remember to eat. — Tirion Boan

12:10 p.m.: How long it will take to count votes

Quick, try counting to 2.5 million. How long did it take you?

You have just discovered why it takes Arizona so long to tally election results. Over recent election cycles, the state has taken an average 13 days to count all ballots. This year, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes predicts a timeline of 10-13 days.

If you don't remember waiting that long in the past to learn who won the state, that's because the margins were wider. Arizona was a solidly red state until 2016, when Donald Trump won Maricopa County by a narrow margin. In 2020, Joe Biden claimed the state by fewer than 11,000 votes. When it's a blowout, it's easier to call. When it goes down to the wire, news organizations wait.

To learn more about why the state takes so long to count votes, check out our explainer. — Zach Buchanan

11:11 a.m.: Adrian Fontes: ‘Our elections have never been more secure’

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes just wrapped up a press conference at the Burton Barr Central Library. Here’s what he said:

• As of 6:20 a.m., all of the state’s 657 vote centers were open and working.
• As of 9 a.m., his office had received eight calls of concern, four of them about electioneering within legal boundaries. None were serious problems: “Everything is running as smoothly as it could be.”
• If machines go down at your polling place, hang tight — elections officials are prepared to quickly deal with problems and have a slew of backup options to ensure everyone can vote.
• Only the U.S. Department of Justice and credentialed party observers are allowed to be in polling places to observe elections.
• The state's final and official vote count is not expected for 10-13 days. The 8 p.m. vote dump tonight is expected to include about 55% of all votes statewide.
• The state has made serious cyber and physical security improvements since Russia tried to interfere in the 2016 election: “Our elections have never been more secure or more accountable.” — TJ L'Heureux

10:56 a.m.: Court ‘fuck-up’ affects voting rights

Today, some people who should be able to vote will not be allowed. Probably not enough to meaningfully affect the results, but a troubling development nonetheless.

It all stems from a Maricopa County Superior Court issue that New Times revealed yesterday. The basics are this: The court has been sloppy when maintaining its case management database and wrongly marked some people as having felony convictions. As a result, many of those people had their voter registrations canceled right before the election.

Thanks to our reporting, the Superior Court is now aware of the issue and doing a full audit to correct the problem. But that almost certainly won't happen in time to allow affected people to vote. One defense attorney described it as a "court fuck-up," and as lawyers will tell you, they are not easy or quick to fix.

Read a full explanation of the problem — and hear from an affected should-be voter — in this story. — Zach Buchanan

10:30 a.m.: Kari Lake's inconsistent abortion views

How Arizonans feel about abortion could be what swings several races this year. It could enshrine abortion rights in the Arizona Constitution and could help Democrat Kamala Harris edge out Republican Donald Trump. It certainly has been an issue for Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake.

Simply put, Lake's abortion views have been all over the place. She's praised the 1864 near-total abortion ban that the Arizona Supreme Court briefly reinstated earlier this year. Later, as it became clear abortion could swing the election, she attempted to moderate her stance.

Here's a full timeline of how her views have shifted. — Zach Buchanan

10 a.m.: What to know about Arizona’s ballot measures

There are 13 statewide ballot measures that will be decided this election, many of which are especially consequential.

Here's a quick guide:

• Prop. 133: Mandating partisan primaries
• Prop. 134: Changing signature requirements for citizen initiatives
• Prop. 135: Limiting the governor's power to declare emergencies
• Prop. 136: Allowing citizen initiatives to be challenged in court before they're filed
• Prop. 137: End term limits for Arizona Supreme Court judges
• Prop. 138: Lower tipped worker minimum wage
• Prop. 139: Enshrine abortion rights in the Arizona Constitution
• Prop. 140: Eliminate partisan primaries
• Prop. 311: New criminal conviction fee
• Prop. 312: Refund property taxes for homeowners near homeless encampments
• Prop. 313: Life sentences for people convicted of child trafficking
• Prop. 314: Allow state and local law enforcement to police immigration
• Prop. 315: Ban state agency regulations costing more than $500,000 per year

For more background on each, read our breakdown. — Zach Buchanan