By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Early voting in Arizona’s primary elections is underway, as polls open and ballots are being mailed across the state on Wednesday.
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Voters who registered before the deadline can vote early in the primaries either in person or by mail before the July 21 primary election.
For voters who requested a mail-in ballot, they can return their ballots by mail, at a drop box location or at an early voting location.
Voters are recommended to mail back their ballot by July 14 to help ensure their vote is counted.
Arizona holds open primaries, meaning independent voters can participate and choose the party’s ballot they want.
In Maricopa County, more than a dozen locations opened at 9 a.m. Wednesday for in-person early voting. Several ballot drop box sites are also available across the county starting Wednesday.
The Maricopa County website has a list of locations and hours of operation, which are subject to change.
There will be two 24-hour drop boxes at the Maricopa County election’s tabulation and election center in downtown Phoenix and its Mesa location.
For Pima County, early voting sites and drop box locations opened at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Pima County’s election website has a list of voting locations.
Key races to watch
Republicans will select their nominee to take on Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who’s running uncontested for a second term.
GOP Rep. Andy Biggs and Rep. David Schweikert lead the field of Republican candidates who are hoping to win control of the governorship and have a Republican trifecta in the state.
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The GOP primary for Biggs’ seat has drawn attention as former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb faces allegations of sexual misconduct. Lamb has been the frontrunner in the race against construction business owner Daniel Keenan.
Another closely watched contest is the race for Schweikert’s congressional seat, which includes Scottsdale and parts of north Phoenix.
Former Arizona Cardinals’ kicker Jay Feely is up against former state lawmaker Joseph Chaplik and tech executive John Trobough for the Republican nomination.
Meanwhile, Democrats have a choice between former journalist Marlene Galan-Woods, former state Rep. Amish Shah, Phoenix media CEO Rick McCartney, and the founder of a smart amenities company, Jonathan Treble.
In the Republican primary for attorney general, Senate president Warren Petersen is competing against military attorney Rodney Glassman in a race that’s grown ugly as the two candidates turned to personal attacks during last month’s debate.
Former Arizona GOP chair Gina Swoboda and state legislator Alexander Kolodin are duking it out for the GOP nomination for secretary of state.
State Superintendent Tom Horne faces a formidable challenge from Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee for his position as the state’s top education official.
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