Full Breakdown
Maricopa County Election Administration Settlement Divides Early-Voting and Election-Day Duties
7/16/2026, 7:12:57 AM
Core Event
On July 14, 2024, Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap and the county Board of Supervisors approved a settlement that ends a year-and-a-half lawsuit over election-administration authority. The agreement gives Heap primary control of early-voting sites, ballot-drop-box locations, voter-registration functions, and related staffing, while the board retains responsibility for Election-Day voting, ballot tabulation, equipment maintenance, and funding of a new information-technology system.
Background & Context
Arizona law splits election duties between county recorders and boards of supervisors, but the statutes are vague, often leading to “shared-services” agreements. After Heap took office in January 2025, he terminated the prior agreement that had moved the recorder’s IT department to the county, prompting a lawsuit in June 2025 alleging the board had illegally seized recorder-controlled functions. The board called the suit frivolous. The dispute intensified when the board accused Heap’s staff of removing scanners and provisional-ballot envelopes from a secure facility, raising chain-of-custody concerns. The Arizona Supreme Court later restored additional authority to Heap and adopted a 12-point plan to protect the July 21 primary.
Key Figures & Groups
- Justin Heap – Maricopa County Recorder, self-described election “denier,” backed by the conservative group America First Legal (founded by former White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller).
- Kate Brophy McGee – Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors, Republican.
- Steve Gallardo – Democratic supervisor, sole dissenting vote on the settlement.
- Debbie Lesko – Vice-chair of the board, Republican.
- Christopher Coury – Maricopa County Superior Court judge appointed as special master to resolve future disputes.
Timeline
- January 2025 – Heap assumes recorder office.
- June 2025 – Heap files lawsuit against the board.
- July 2024 – Arizona Supreme Court issues 12-point plan for the July 21 primary.
- July 14, 2024 – Settlement signed and board vote (3-1) approves it.
- July 21, 2024 – Primary election held under interim plan.
Data & Statistics
- The settlement allocates $15 million for a new recorder-office IT system and funds 24 IT positions.
- The board will also fund 10 new early-voting staff positions.
- Through 2029, the county must provide at least one early-voting site for every five Election-Day polling locations, with a matching split for drop boxes.
- Overall budget impact exceeds $20 million for the recorder’s office.
Why It Matters
The division creates two parallel election administrations in the nation’s most populous county, potentially affecting voter access, ballot handling, and public confidence ahead of the 2024 general election and future contests through 2028. The arrangement also tests how partisan disputes influence election infrastructure spending and oversight.
Official Statements & Responses
- Justin Heap said his office aims to “ensure its statutory responsibilities are carried out lawfully” and that the settlement will “restore those responsibilities and establish a clear framework for administering elections moving forward.”
- Kate Brophy McGee described the deal as a way to “get us out of the courtroom” and emphasized the board’s continued “strict oversight” of the recorder’s operations.
- Debbie Lesko framed the $20 million expense as preferable to continued litigation costs.
- Christopher Coury will act as special master, with any appeals directed to the Arizona Supreme Court.
Criticism & Opposition
Supervisor Steve Gallardo warned that the settlement “creates two different elections departments” and questioned whether voters can trust Heap’s “hyperpartisan staff” to run elections fairly. He expressed a lack of confidence in the recorder’s ability to remain neutral and highlighted the $20 million taxpayer burden.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact monetary figure: Democracy Docket cites “over $20 million,” while AP notes a “$15 million” IT allocation plus additional staffing costs. The precise number of early-voting sites and drop-box locations to be funded remains unspecified, pending cooperation between Heap and the board.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This deal gets us out of the courtroom,” — Kate Brophy McGee, Board Chairwoman
- “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,” — Justin Heap, Recorder
- “Honestly, I don’t think he wants to have an election that is conducted transparent or even an election that’s not compromised,” — Steve Gallardo, Supervisor
- “I don't have confidence," Gallardo said.” — Steve Gallardo, Supervisor
- “My office is ready to carry out every responsibility entrusted to us under Arizona law, and we remain committed to delivering elections that are lawful, secure, transparent, and worthy of the public's trust.” — Justin Heap, Recorder
What’s Next
Judge Christopher Coury will adjudicate any future disputes between the recorder and the board, with appeals directed to the Arizona Supreme Court. Implementation of the settlement’s provisions will be evaluated during the November 2024 general election and subsequent cycles.
