Left-of-center community groups are deploying thousands of volunteers to monitor Arizona polling places ahead of the midterm elections, citing concerns about voter intimidation and immigration enforcement near ballot boxes.
Living United for Change in Arizona, or LUCHA, a Phoenix-based organization, has launched in-person training for what it calls "constitutional observers." Early voting began Oct. 7 in Scottsdale.
Karime Rodriguez, who leads LUCHA's training, instructed volunteers to watch the polling environment closely. "Stay aware of what's happening on the ground and keep your eyes open," Rodriguez told participants.
LUCHA's mobilization stems from immigration enforcement during Arizona's primary elections earlier this year. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were present near polling sites in Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, according to the group.
Alejandra Gomez, LUCHA's executive director, said the political climate has shifted. "These last two years, everyone has been holding on by the edge of their seats," Gomez said. "We're preparing for the worst."
The Trump administration has said ICE has no plans to target polling locations. Federal law prohibits armed federal agents from appearing at polling places. However, some Trump allies have called for the president to deploy ICE agents to the polls. Steven Bannon publicly urged Trump to send immigration agents to polling sites.
Mary Corcoran, executive director of the left-leaning Save America Movement, said the threatened ICE presence is designed to intimidate voters. "The point is to scare people and use fear as an intimidation factor to keep people home," Corcoran said. Her group is partnering with other organizations to work in communities most likely to be affected.
LUCHA's training sessions include activities like loteria, a bingo-like card game, where volunteers can win camping chairs, reusable water bottles, and coolers—items organizers say observers may need while stationed at polling sites.
