Napolitano, Brewer meet for election canvass 

Arizonans cast a record-setting number of ballots for the 2008 general election, according to the state's official canvass signed Dec. 1 by Secretary of State Jan Brewer and other statewide officials.

A total of 2.3 million ballots were cast in Arizona's 15 counties, a figure representing a 300,000-ballot increase compared to the general election in 2006, said Brewer, joined by Gov. Janet Napolitano, Attorney General Terry Goddard, Arizona Supreme Court Justice Ruth McGregor and State Elections Director Joe Kanefield.

A record-setting 3 million voters were registered to cast ballots for the general election, while 78 percent of those registered actually voted. The percentage marked the state's second-highest total, bested only in 1980 when 80 percent of registered voters cast ballots, Brewer said.

Brewer had expected a turnout of 80 percent or more, according to statements to the media before the election.

U.S. military personnel cast ballots from 60 foreign countries by using a secured system devised by the Secretary of State's Office. Approximately 11,000 volunteers stepped forward to help work the polls on Election Day, she said.

Giving thanks to staff and volunteers, Brewer called the 2008 general election effort "one of the smoothest presidential elections ever."

Reporters in the cramped conference room avoided follow-up questions regarding the canvass, instead directing inquiries to Gov. Janet Napolitano, who earlier in the day was chosen by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as the secretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Napolitano, who for months declined to comment on whether she would accept a post with the Obama administration, said she would remain governor for long enough to give the State of the State address in January.

She said the decision to accept the post was difficult, and said she has been discussing the appointment with Obama for several weeks. The position has "such a direct connection with Arizona" given the state's border issues, as well as "broad national responsibilities," she said.

"In the end, my view was one of deep devotion to Arizona, but also a call to service to our country," Napolitano said. "I look forward to being part of the president-elect's security team as we move forward."

Napolitano said it would be inappropriate to discuss any policy recommendations.

Brewer pledged to work for a "seamless transition" within the Arizona Governor's Office if Napolitano goes to Washington.

Obama's announcement doesn't make Napolitano's appointment automatic. Along with other Cabinet picks, she first will have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.