Monitors at Arizona ballot drop boxes draw complaints of voter intimidation

The warehouse at the Maricopa County Elections Department is seen on Sept. 8. The Maricopa sheriff says he's stepped up security around ballot drop boxes after a series of incidents involving people keeping watch on the boxes. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)

Ross D. Franklin / Ross D. Franklin

In May, following a presentation to lawmakers from True The Vote — an organization whose faulty research was behind the debunked “2000 Mules” film — Arizona state Sen. Kelly Townsend had some encouraging words for residents who wanted to act on baseless election fraud claims.

“I have been so pleased to hear of all of you vigilantes out there that want to camp out at these drop boxes, right? So do it. Do it,” the Republican said to applause from the audience. “We put the word out today that if you’re going to come and be like a mule and stuff ballot boxes this time, you’re going to get caught.”

With early voting now underway in Arizona, it’s clear that many people in this swing state have followed through on such calls to action.