Steve Gallardo

Election officials in Arizona's Maricopa County resolved a legal dispute over election administration responsibilities through a settlement agreement. The deal outlines roles for Recorder Justin Heap and the GOP-dominated board of supervisors in overseeing different aspects of the July 21 primary, including early voting and IT systems.

Election officials in Arizona's Maricopa County reached an agreement to jointly oversee elections, resolving a legal battle between the county recorder and a GOP-dominated board of supervisors. The settlement outlines an interim plan for the July 21 primary, with the recorder overseeing early voting and ballot drop box locations, while the board handles Election Day operations and funding a $15 million IT system.

Maricopa County expanded early voting sites ahead of the primary election, a move celebrated by advocates as a win for voting access. The decision follows ongoing disputes between the county board and Recorder Justin Heap over control of early voting processes, with a recent court ruling maintaining the board's authority.

Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap sent a letter warning of criminal penalties for handling ballots from 'unauthorized' drop boxes, escalating a dispute with the county Board of Supervisors over election administration. The Board criticized Heap's actions as 'shocking' and 'outrageous,' while his office accused the Board of attempting to control drop box locations.