Arizona county election officials settle lawsuit over vote oversight

Election officials in Arizona's most populous county have reached a settlement to end a protracted legal dispute over election oversight. Republican County Recorder Justin Heap had sued the predominantly Republican board of supervisors, alleging they illegally seized control of certain election administration duties. The board dismissed the lawsuit as frivolous.

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This deal gets us out of the courtroom. I'm sick of drama. We are done with being on the front page going forward.

Mediated negotiations led to a settlement approved by the board. "This deal gets us out of the courtroom," said board Chair Kate Brophy McGee. "I'm sick of drama. We are done with being on the front page going forward." Heap stated his goal was to ensure his office's responsibilities were executed lawfully. "I am pleased we have reached an agreement that, when implemented, will restore those responsibilities and establish a clear framework for administering elections moving forward," Heap said.

The agreement establishes an interim plan for the July 21 primary, with Heap managing much of early voting and drop box locations. The board will oversee Election Day voting, ballot tabulation, and equipment maintenance. The board will also fund a new $15 million IT system for the recorder's office. Heap's lawsuit was supported by America First Legal, a conservative group. He had claimed the board transferred funding and key functions away from his office.

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I am pleased we have reached an agreement that, when implemented, will restore those responsibilities and establish a clear framework for administering elections moving forward.

Supervisor Steve Gallardo, a Democrat, opposed the settlement, criticizing Heap and stating, "Now, with this, he owns it." Heap, who defeated incumbent Stephen Richer in a GOP primary and won the 2024 general election, has previously stopped short of repeating false claims about past elections being stolen but has expressed concerns about voter trust and the system's administration.

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Honestly, I don't think he wants to have an election that is conducted transparent or even an election that's not compromised. Now, with this, he owns it.