The contract is the most recent step in the Senate’s months-long endeavor to carry its unique review of the county’s ballots after then-President Donald Trump disputed his loss in the state.
Though two prior examinations of the county's election outcomes did not turn up anomalies, the Senate nearly enacted a decision to detain the members of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors as they challenged the subpoenas in court. When the county lost its legal effort, the Senate still had to figure out where, exactly, it would house 2.1 million ballots.
Fann, R-Prescott, has already said she expected to use the county’s facilities, but the county has declined, maintaining that the inspection is in no way a joint effort with the Senate.
With a location settled, Fann said she expects the Senate to take care of the ballots, which have stayed in the county's ownership, and for work to start April 22.
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The coliseum was an early idea for a different location. Owned by the state, it sits about a mile north of the Capitol and boasts an arena floor of more than 23,000 square feet, two halls, and seating for 14,000 spectators. The establishment is part of the state fairgrounds, controlled by the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board, which is in turn led by Yuma County supervisor and former state Republican Party Chairman Jonathan Lines.
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“We want someplace that is big enough. It will be fully live-streamed the entire time,” Fann told Jeff Oravits during an interview on KBTK-FM on Tuesday.
The Senate will return only the costs of electrical utilities and staff, according to the contract, signed by Fann and Arizona Exposition and State Fair Deputy Director Michael Searle. The Senate will be liable for hiring security to monitor the site.
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It is unclear how much that might take.
The Senate’s deal with the four companies it has hired to conduct the audit totals $150,000 but officials have confirmed the entire process will likely cost more.
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Private groups are requesting donations to help pay for the inspection. Voices and Votes, a nonprofit organization led by former Trump administration officials and current talk show host Christina Bobb, is collecting donations on its website.
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Sidney Powell, a lawyer who conducted many of the unsuccessful legal challenges to reverse the results of last year’s election, has inspired her social media followers to donate. Another attorney matched with Trump, Lin Wood, said on social media that $150,000 is needed “for expert witness fees” and that other costs exceed $1.5 million but have been covered by private donors.
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