Signature Verification - Revision history

Neil thibodaux: /* Potential Governance Gap(s) */

2026-09-07T00:35:54Z

Potential Governance Gap(s)

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:35, 6 September 2026
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	All that said, the signature verification process appears to be for show, trying to point to a process step that detects fraud via mismatched signatures. However, they were only able to identify 587 potentially fraudulent ballots when the likelihood of fraudulent attempt would seem to be much higher.		All that said, the signature verification process appears to be for show, trying to point to a process step that detects fraud via mismatched signatures. However, they were only able to identify 587 potentially fraudulent ballots when the likelihood of fraudulent attempt would seem to be much higher.

			=== Notable Relationship to [[2020 Maricopa County Directs Use of Sharpie Pens]] ===
			Without a clear description of the organizational structure and responsibilities, it seems the Assistant Director, Recruitment and Training for the Elections Department would have had responsibility to the Signature Verification deficiencies. This senior management position should have had responsibility for addressing the training needs of the Election Department. Apparently, 40 temporary workers were allowed to perform Level I Signature Verification without any relevant training.

			Separately, the Assistant Director, Recruitment and Training for the Elections Department directed voting center staff to temporary stop using the Sharpie Markers because there were known issues with their use. The directions went on to direct workers to distribute ballpoint pens until Election Day. On Election Day, they were to distribute Sharpie Markers. This appears to be unethical because informal email communications were being used direct the use of Sharpie Pens in violation of the ballot instructions, which specifically directed the use of ballpoint pens.

			These examples provide numerous examples of poor governance and an organizational culture that accepts poor governance as normal.

	=== Potential Governance Gap(s) ===		=== Potential Governance Gap(s) ===

Neil thibodaux at 19:46, 31 August 2026

2026-08-31T19:46:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:46, 31 August 2026
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			In your exploration of election-related anomalies, you are here:

			* List of [[The Anomalies\|Election Anomalies]]
			** [https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/2020_General_Election_Investigation_Summary.pdf Arizona Attorney General's Inspector's report of Arizona Senate of Allegations]
			*** '''Allegation #1: Maricopa County Election Department - Signature Verification Process-'''---[Click for [[Dropbox Collection (2020)\|Allegation #2]]]

	This page seeks to explain [[Signature Verification\|Maricopa County Signature Verification (2020)]] anomalies as identified on the [[The Anomalies\|'''Election Anomalies''']] page, which is a collection of various election-related anomalies that illustrate poor governance. ''Governance Gaps'' are reported on and compared to a standard so that you may visualize how poorly managed County services can have an adverse impact without any criminal wrongdoing. We chose the United States Government Accountability Office's (GAO) ''Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government'' (also known as the ''[https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-107721 Green Book]'') because it represents the ideal standard for governance practices since it is specifically written for government entities, not the business sector. Maricopa County has no obligation or commitments to adhere to any governance-related standards, including the Green Book. Regardless, the Green Book is a representation of what good governance looks like and deviations from that standard are worthy of consideration, not prosecution.		This page seeks to explain [[Signature Verification\|Maricopa County Signature Verification (2020)]] anomalies as identified on the [[The Anomalies\|'''Election Anomalies''']] page, which is a collection of various election-related anomalies that illustrate poor governance. ''Governance Gaps'' are reported on and compared to a standard so that you may visualize how poorly managed County services can have an adverse impact without any criminal wrongdoing. We chose the United States Government Accountability Office's (GAO) ''Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government'' (also known as the ''[https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-107721 Green Book]'') because it represents the ideal standard for governance practices since it is specifically written for government entities, not the business sector. Maricopa County has no obligation or commitments to adhere to any governance-related standards, including the Green Book. Regardless, the Green Book is a representation of what good governance looks like and deviations from that standard are worthy of consideration, not prosecution.

Neil thibodaux: /* Potential Governance Gap(s) */

2026-08-26T17:12:32Z

Potential Governance Gap(s)

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:12, 26 August 2026
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	** Attribute(s): none identified		** Attribute(s): none identified
	* Principle 12 - Implement Control Activities		* Principle 12 - Implement Control Activities
	** Attribute(s): [[12.02]]		** Attribute(s): [[12.01\|12.01,]] [[12.02]]
	* Principle 13 - Use Quality Information		* Principle 13 - Use Quality Information
	** Attribute(s): none identified		** Attribute(s): none identified

Neil thibodaux: /* Potential Governance Gap(s) */

2026-08-24T18:34:23Z

Potential Governance Gap(s)

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:34, 24 August 2026
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	** Attribute(s): [[4.02]], [[4.04]], [[4.05]]		** Attribute(s): [[4.02]], [[4.04]], [[4.05]]
	* Principle 5 - Enforce Accountability		* Principle 5 - Enforce Accountability
	** Attribute(s): [[5.01]], [[5.03]]		** Attribute(s): [[5.01]], [[5.03]], [[5.08]]
	* Principle 6 - Define Objectives and Risk Tolerances		* Principle 6 - Define Objectives and Risk Tolerances
	** Attribute(s): [[6.02]], [[6.04]], [[6.05]], [[6.07]], [[6.08]]		** Attribute(s): [[6.02]], [[6.04]], [[6.05]], [[6.07]], [[6.08]]

Neil thibodaux: /* Proficiency Objective */

2026-08-24T04:45:45Z

Proficiency Objective

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:45, 23 August 2026
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	==== Verification the Competency of the Student ====		==== Verification the Competency of the Student ====
	No evidence was provided in the inspector's report to suggest Signature Verification competency was verified. The were apparently no test scores for each student. Test scores would have been a more objective method of confirming student attendance than an interview with a manager (see above). A final examination is not noted as a training topic the investigator included in the report.		No evidence was provided in the inspector's report to suggest Signature Verification competency was verified. The were apparently no test scores for each student. Test scores would have been a more objective method of confirming student attendance than an interview with a manager (see above). A final examination is not noted as a training topic the investigator included in the report.

			The train slide topics presented by the AZ AG's inspector did not include description of the six signature attributes that are required by Arizona statute [https://www.azleg.gov/ars/16/00550-01.htm 16-550.01 - Signature verification; procedures; exemption; intent; definitions.]
	==== Verification of Student Competency in the Work Setting ====		==== Verification of Student Competency in the Work Setting ====
	The inspector stated the Level 1 Signature Verifiers are expected to complete, on average, one verification every seven seconds. If seven seconds if the average rate, some verifications need to be completed in less than seven seconds. A valid competency training examination would have needed to replicate this astounding pace for an extended period time given that the pace would be expected for an eight-hour shift, maybe longer based on information the inspector included in his report.		The inspector stated the Level 1 Signature Verifiers are expected to complete, on average, one verification every seven seconds. If seven seconds if the average rate, some verifications need to be completed in less than seven seconds. A valid competency training examination would have needed to replicate this astounding pace for an extended period time given that the pace would be expected for an eight-hour shift, maybe longer based on information the inspector included in his report.

Neil thibodaux: /* Potential Governance Gap(s) */

2026-08-23T21:56:02Z

Potential Governance Gap(s)

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:56, 23 August 2026
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	** Attribute(s): [[7.05]], [[7.08]]		** Attribute(s): [[7.05]], [[7.08]]
	* Principle 8 - Assess Fraud, Improper Payment, and Information		* Principle 8 - Assess Fraud, Improper Payment, and Information
	** Attribute(s): [[8.02]], [[8.03]], [[8.04~~]], [[8.05~~]], [[8.08]], [[8.09]], [[8.10]]		** Attribute(s): [[8.02]], [[8.03]], [[8.04]], [[8.08]], [[8.09]], [[8.10]]
	* Principle 9 - Identify, Analyze, and Respond to Change		* Principle 9 - Identify, Analyze, and Respond to Change
	** Attribute(s): [[9.04]]		** Attribute(s): [[9.04]]

Neil thibodaux at 21:52, 23 August 2026

2026-08-23T21:52:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:52, 23 August 2026
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	** Attribute(s): [[7.05]], [[7.08]]		** Attribute(s): [[7.05]], [[7.08]]
	* Principle 8 - Assess Fraud, Improper Payment, and Information		* Principle 8 - Assess Fraud, Improper Payment, and Information
	** Attribute(s): [[8.02]], [[8.03]], [[8.04]], [[8.05~~]], [[8.07~~]], [[8.08]], [[8.09]], [[8.10]]		** Attribute(s): [[8.02]], [[8.03]], [[8.04]], [[8.05]], [[8.08]], [[8.09]], [[8.10]]
	* Principle 9 - Identify, Analyze, and Respond to Change		* Principle 9 - Identify, Analyze, and Respond to Change
	** Attribute(s): [[9.04]]		** Attribute(s): [[9.04]]

Neil thibodaux at 15:38, 23 August 2026

2026-08-23T15:38:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:38, 23 August 2026
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	*** (e) Beginning and ending strokes.		*** (e) Beginning and ending strokes.

	Please note the extent of what is being expected of the Signature Verifiers by Arizona Statute for each signature. ~~Later, you will see~~ the ~~expectation for~~ Level 1 Signature Verifiers to complete one signature comparison at an average rate of every 7.2 seconds by the Maricopa County Elections Director. When including 1) time the software takes to refresh the screen with new signatures, 2) time taken to study some signatures more closely than others, and 3) time taken to record the Signature Verifier's decision into the software. The actual inspection time would be expected to even less than 7.2 seconds.		Please note the extent of what is being expected of the Signature Verifiers by Arizona Statute for each signature. The AZ AG's investigators notes the Level 1 Signature Verifiers are expected to complete one signature comparison at an average rate of every 7.2 seconds by the Maricopa County Elections Director. When including 1) time the software takes to refresh the screen with new set of voter signatures, 2) time taken to study some signatures more closely than others, and 3) time taken to record the Signature Verifier's decision into the software. The actual inspection time for most signature comparisons would be expected to even less than 7.2 seconds. From an employee motivation perspective, Signature Verifiers would feel they exceed expectations if they could maintain a pace of less than 7.2 seconds per early ballot <u>in the absence of</u> any measurable attribute to assess the quality of the of each signature verification. Generally speaking, it's easier for an employee to achieve a single performance goal than it is to achieve multiple performance goals concurrently.

	==== Arizona State Procedures for Elections ====		==== Arizona State Procedures for Elections ====

Neil thibodaux: /* Arizona State Procedures for Elections */

2026-08-23T15:30:33Z

Arizona State Procedures for Elections

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:30, 23 August 2026
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	A.R.S. 16-550.01, paragraph G requires the following for signature verification:		A.R.S. 16-550.01, paragraph G requires the following for signature verification:

			* G. For the purposes of this section:
			** 1. "Broad characteristics" means all of the following:
			*** (a) The type of writing.
			*** (b) The speed of writing.
			*** (c) Overall spacing.
			*** (d) Overall size and proportions.
			*** (e) Position of the signature.
			*** (f) Spelling and punctuation.
			** 2. "Evaluator" means the individual who is designated by the county recorder or officer in charge of elections and who conducts signature verification.
			** 3. "Local characteristics" means all of the following:
			*** (a) Internal spacing.
			*** (b) The size or proportions of a letter or letter combination.
			*** (c) Curves, loops and cross points.
			*** (d) The presence or absence of pen lifts.
			*** (e) Beginning and ending strokes.

			Please note the extent of what is being expected of the Signature Verifiers by Arizona Statute for each signature. Later, you will see the expectation for Level 1 Signature Verifiers to complete one signature comparison at an average rate of every 7.2 seconds by the Maricopa County Elections Director. When including 1) time the software takes to refresh the screen with new signatures, 2) time taken to study some signatures more closely than others, and 3) time taken to record the Signature Verifier's decision into the software. The actual inspection time would be expected to even less than 7.2 seconds.

	==== Arizona State Procedures for Elections ====		==== Arizona State Procedures for Elections ====

Neil thibodaux: /* Arizona State Procedures for Elections */

2026-08-23T15:16:05Z

Arizona State Procedures for Elections

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:16, 23 August 2026
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	==== Arizona Law for Elections ====		==== Arizona Law for Elections ====
	[https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=16 Title 16 of the Arizona Revised Statutes] governs elections, voter qualifications, political parties, campaign finance, and related electoral procedures in Arizona. This statute states '''what must be done'''. The statute does not contain enough detail to explain '''how it is done.'''		[https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=16 Title 16 of the Arizona Revised Statutes] governs elections, voter qualifications, political parties, campaign finance, and related electoral procedures in Arizona. This statute states '''what must be done'''. The statute does not contain enough detail to explain '''how it is done.''' Signature Verifcation requirements are addressed in [https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/16/00550-01.htm 16-550.01]. Signature verification; procedures; exemption; intent; definitions

	For those that familiar with corporate operations, statutes would be equivalent to policy statements and procedures would explain how policies are fulfilled.		For those that familiar with corporate operations, statutes would be equivalent to policy statements and procedures would explain how policies are fulfilled. However, statutes are Arizona Law.

			A.R.S. 16-550.01, paragraph G requires the following for signature verification:


	==== Arizona State Procedures for Elections ====		==== Arizona State Procedures for Elections ====