The Brief

Maricopa County Election Control Dispute Intensifies Ahead of Primary

A legal battle over election oversight in Maricopa County escalates as Recorder Justin Heap and the Board of Supervisors clash over authority, potentially impacting the upcoming primary elections.

In Maricopa County, Arizona, a protracted legal struggle over election oversight has intensified, raising concerns about the administration of the upcoming primary elections. The dispute centers on the authority between County Recorder Justin Heap and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, both responsible for different facets of the county's election process. The conflict began in June 2025 when Heap, a Republican elected in 2024, filed a lawsuit against the Board of Supervisors, alleging that they had unlawfully transferred control of his office's information technology staff and certain election functions to the Board. Heap contended that this move violated state law and undermined the independence of his office. In April 2026, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney ruled in favor of Heap, stating that the Board had overstepped its legal authority by removing IT staff from the Recorder's Office. Despite the court's decision, tensions have continued to escalate. In May 2026, Heap sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors, asserting his office's authority over the placement of ballot drop boxes for the upcoming July 21 primary. He warned that election workers handling ballots deposited in "unauthorized" drop boxes could face criminal penalties. The Board, however, unanimously approved the proposed drop box locations, leading Heap to threaten felony charges against those involved in managing these sites. The dispute has further deepened, with both parties seeking judicial intervention. In June 2026, a court hearing was held to address the ongoing conflict over election control. The Board of Supervisors has expressed concerns that the legal battles could disrupt election preparations, potentially leading to delays in critical processes. This escalating conflict has significant implications for Maricopa County, which is home to over 2.5 million residents and serves as a pivotal jurisdiction in Arizona's elections. The county's role as a swing area in national politics underscores the importance of resolving these disputes promptly to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process. As the primary election approaches, the resolution of this conflict remains uncertain. The ongoing legal battles and public disagreements between Heap and the Board of Supervisors continue to cast a shadow over the election process, prompting concerns about potential delays and the overall trust in the county's election system.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

Judge rules Maricopa County supervisors illegally removed IT staff from Recorder's Office — kjzz.org
Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap threatens felony charges over ‘unauthorized’ drop boxes — azmirror.com
Maricopa County election control dispute heads to court ahead of primary — azfamily.com
"Maricopa County election feud escalates over drop boxes" — Axios
"Judge won't pause ruling ahead of election in fight between Maricopa County supervisors, Heap" — KJZZ
2026-06-11 Planning and Zoning Commission — YouTube · Maricopa County
Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting June 10, 2026 — YouTube · Maricopa County
Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting May 20, 2026 — YouTube · Maricopa County
Board of Supervisors Informal Meeting May 18, 2026