(UPDATED) Fire at the Arizona State and Maricopa County Democratic Party Headquarters in Phoenix

Early this morning a fire broke out at the Arizona State and Maricopa County Democratic Party headquarters in Central Phoenix.

The Maricopa County side of the building bore the brunt of the damage.

Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries occurred.

An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place.

(UPDATE) The Phoenix Fire Investigation Task Force has announced that they are treating the cause of the fire as arson.

Arizona Democratic Party Chairperson Felecia Rotellini issued a statement which read:

“We’re grateful for the response of the Phoenix Fire and Police Departments who are both still on the scene as we sort out what happened. We are relieved that no one was injured.

“The fire is devastating but we refuse to let this be a distraction. We feel more empowered than ever to turn Arizona blue.

“Our eyes remain on the prize of electing Democrats who will put Arizonans first. Thank you to all who have sent their love and support and have reached out to help.”

Maricopa County Democratic Chair Steve Slugocki also released a statement which read:

“The Maricopa County Democratic Party (MCDP) Headquarters on Central Avenue and Thomas Rd. caught fire around 1:00 a.m. this morning. We are still unsure of the cause of the fire, the police are currently investigating the situation. 

Luckily, nobody was in the office and there were no injuries. However, the MCDP side of the building is a total loss. 

Many of you have visited our office over the years. This building contained a wealth of documents and technology needed for our operation. Laptops, tablets, phone banking equipment and years of candidate and organizational information are all destroyed. 

The MCDP staff is speechless. Our organization has worked out of this building for over a decade. It has been home to thousands of volunteers, candidates, supporters and friends. Memories were made, victories were celebrated, and lifelong friendships have been forged. 

While this poses new challenges in an already critical election, we want to assure you that this will not hinder our efforts to elect Democrats across the county. We will continue to lead and we are ready to win. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

In Community.” 

If this fire is determined to have been caused by criminal elements with ideological motives, they need to know that resorting to this cowardly act will not deter people in the progressive movement (both pragmatic and liberal) from fighting to move this state and the country in a different and forward direction.

It will make the resolve for a Blue Wave stronger.

Please remember:

• Primary Election Day is on August 4, 2020, and General Election Day is on November 3. 2020. Please see the below graphic for all-important voting dates. 
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• Check-in with the Secretary of State’s office where you live to verify your mail-in ballot was received, processed, verified, and counted.
• Know the voter ID requirements in your state.
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• Also, please remember to stay informed on all the candidates and vote for all the offices on the ballot.
• Also, remember to research all the ballot initiatives, sign to get them on the ballot if you support the measure, and vote on them as well.