Maricopa County Officials Settle Control Fight Over Election Administration
Maricopa County officials reached a mediated settlement on Tuesday, July 14 that ends their fight over who runs elections and sets oversight for the county's July 21 primary.[1]
Under the agreement, Recorder Justin Heap will run most early voting and drop box siting.[1] The Board of Supervisors will oversee Election Day voting, vote tabulation and equipment maintenance under an interim plan approved by the Arizona Supreme Court.[1] The board also committed to fund a new $15 million election information technology system and related positions for the recorder's office.[1]
In June 2025, Recorder Justin Heap sued the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors over control of election administration functions.[1] Mediation earlier this week produced the settlement the board approved on July 14, ending the lawsuit and clearing a path for the July 21 primary to proceed under the split oversight.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- In June 2025, Recorder Justin Heap sued the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors over control of election administration functions.
- Earlier in the week of July 13, 2026, the parties reached a mediated settlement that the board approved on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, ending the lawsuit.
- For the July 21, 2026 primary, Heap will run most early voting and drop box siting, while the board will oversee Election Day voting, tabulation and equipment maintenance under an Arizona Supreme Court–approved interim plan.
- The board committed to fund a new $15 million election information technology system and associated positions for the recorder’s office.
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