Authorities have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the individual’s actions were politically motivated.
An election worker in Arizona was arrested for allegedly stealing a security device from a Maricopa County election center in Phoenix, officials announced on June 25.
Authorities are examining the individual’s social media activity and phone records to determine if there was any collaboration with others when the security device, a small black fob granting access to tabulators, was taken from the county.
The estimated impact of the theft is approximately $20,000, with the stolen digital magnetic key capable of providing access to tabulation devices.
Security camera footage captured an individual taking the missing item around 5 p.m. local time on June 20, as shown in screenshots released by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Court records available online reveal that Walter Ringfield was apprehended for allegedly stealing digital security keys from the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes stated on June 24 that the arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of the security measures in Arizona’s election systems.
Maricopa County elections officials released a statement identifying the suspect as a “temporary election worker” and detailing the actions taken following the incident.
During a news conference, Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates confirmed that the tabulators were re-programmed to prevent future access using the digital security key.
The Republican National Committee dispatched staff to Maricopa in response to the incident, expressing concerns about election security in Arizona.
Maricopa County has been at the center of voting irregularity claims in recent elections, including in 2020 and 2022.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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