Judge Sides with Arizona Election Official in Ruling Affecting Midterm Voting

The decision gives more authority to the Maricopa County Recorder's office in running elections, potentially impacting high-profile races this fall.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic painting of a lone ballot drop box in a shadowy urban alley, the box's metallic surface reflecting the warm glow of sunlight filtering through the buildings, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation around the electoral process.The judge's ruling could reshape the balance of power over election administration in a key Arizona county, with potential impacts on the upcoming midterm elections.Phoenix Today

A judge in Arizona has ruled in favor of the Maricopa County Recorder, Justin Heap, in a legal dispute with the county's board of supervisors over control of certain election administration duties. The ruling gives Heap's office more authority in overseeing aspects of elections, including in-person early voting, which could have implications for the upcoming midterm elections in the battleground state.

Why it matters

The decision comes amid ongoing tensions over election administration in Arizona, which has been a flashpoint for false claims of voter fraud since the 2020 presidential election. The ruling could shift the balance of power between the Recorder's office and the county board, potentially impacting how elections are run in Maricopa County, home to the majority of Arizona's voters.

The details

The legal dispute began when Heap, a Republican, sued the predominantly Republican county board of supervisors last summer, alleging they had illegally taken control of certain election functions away from his office. The judge ruled that the board had "acted unlawfully and exceeded its statutory authority" in doing so, and ordered that the Recorder's office be restored authority over in-person early voting and other duties. The board has indicated it may appeal the decision.

  • The lawsuit was filed by Heap last summer.
  • The judge's ruling was issued on April 17, 2026.

The players

Justin Heap

The Republican Recorder of Maricopa County, Arizona, who sued the county board of supervisors over control of election administration duties.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors

The predominantly Republican county board that had allegedly taken control of certain election functions away from the Recorder's office.

Kate Brophy McGee

The Republican chairwoman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, who said the board will consider appealing the judge's ruling.

Stephen Richer

The former Maricopa County Recorder who was defeated by Heap in the 2024 Republican primary.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The court confirmed that the Board cannot override state law, use funding as leverage, or take control of election duties assigned to the Recorder.”

— Justin Heap, Maricopa County Recorder

“I disagree with other portions of the ruling, and I will explore all options with the Board of Supervisors, including an expeditious appeal.”

— Kate Brophy McGee, Chairwoman, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors

“He catered to the really ugly stuff that the people in that office had to live through. And he allied with people who were very much in the eye of the storm in terms of creating it.”

— Stephen Richer, Former Maricopa County Recorder

What’s next

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has indicated it may appeal the judge's ruling, which could further impact election administration in the county ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing tensions and power struggles over election oversight in Arizona, a key battleground state. The decision to grant more authority to the Recorder's office could have significant implications for how elections are run in Maricopa County, home to the majority of the state's voters.