Maricopa County Recorder Operating Without Key Elections Powers

Maricopa County Recorder Operating Without Key Elections Powers

By Staff Reporter |

Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap lacks key elections powers, thanks to late decisions by his predecessor and the former Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (BOS).

Reportedly, Heap is operating without a full budget, staff, IT support, access to county buildings, and confirmation of his deputy recorder selection. State lawmakers with the Arizona Freedom Caucus blamed BOS Chair Thomas Galvin for these ongoing limitations to Heap’s authority. 

State Senator Jake Hoffman urged Maricopa County residents to contact Galvin over the changes.

“Supervisor Thomas Galvin has STRIPPED Recorder Justin Heap of his control over our Elections and is REFUSING to reinstate it,” said Hoffman. 

Much of these developments occurred back in October, when the outgoing BOS members and former Recorder Stephen Richer approved changes to the powers of the recorder’s office. The changes took effect in December.

Under that agreement, the BOS assumed control over the recorder’s $5 million budget and IT staff. 

Additionally, the BOS appoints the early ballot processing board. Prior to that agreement, the recorder oversaw early ballot processing. 

In a statement issued at the time of the agreement, a county spokesperson said the county made changes to make the recorder’s office more efficient. 

“In Arizona, elections are administered by the County Board of Supervisors and the County Recorder. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and Recorder’s Office have had agreements in place to manage these administrative functions since the 1950s,” said the spokesperson. “The update to the current agreement will adjust administrative responsibilities to create efficiencies, most notably in Information Technology-related services.”

Ultimately, Arizona law empowers county boards of supervisors with authority over election administration. 

Despite these limitations, Heap has continued to work around the restrictions on his position. 

Last week, Heap announced his office’s policy change allowing bipartisan election observers into the signature verification room. 

Heap has done more than that his first month in office. In an update issued on Friday, the recorder recapped other accomplishments from his first days: removing a record number of inactive voters from voter registration rolls, preparing for impending upgrades to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) process for military personnel on deployment, and eliminating the salaries and positions of six external communications officers to free up resources for elections databases and systems.

In that update, Heap addressed the allegations against Galvin and his predecessor. Heap disclosed that he anticipates a new agreement with the BOS will emerge soon reinstating his authority.

“I am currently working with the members of the Board of Supervisors to replace this agreement with one that serves the people and the mission they gave me to ensure future elections in Maricopa County are fully secure, efficiently operated and, above all, accurate. I am hopeful that we will have a new agreement in the near future that helps us all achieve those aims,” said Heap. 

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Lesko Pushes For Comprehensive Audit Of Maricopa County Election System

Lesko Pushes For Comprehensive Audit Of Maricopa County Election System

By Daniel Stefanski |

A longtime west valley public servant is making good on a campaign promise in her new office.

Former U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko was sworn into the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for District 4 on Monday. In a post following the ceremony, Lesko said, “Honored to be sworn in today as your Maricopa County Supervisor. Thank you to the great people of the West Valley for your continued support! My priorities include public safety, election integrity and ensuring your taxpayer dollars are used wisely.”

In her first address as a county supervisor, Lesko confirmed that she would be “pushing … for a comprehensive audit of the entire election system in Maricopa County” – as a part of her priority to safeguard election integrity in her jurisdiction, which she had promised voters on the campaign trail. Supervisor Lesko also clarified her strong desire that this audit would be undertaken by a “reputable firm.” She received applause from some members of the audience at the Board of Supervisors meeting – its first of the new year and term.

The new chairman of the Board, Supervisor Thomas Galvin, announced that he and his colleagues would, in fact, spearhead a “comprehensive review” of Maricopa County’s elections this year to “ensure we are operating at optimum quality.”

Supervisor Lesko also noted her call late last year with the Florida Secretary of State and Arizona Senate President, where the group discussed “the differences between the states’ election systems and…areas where we can improve.” Republicans on this board will be looking to the Governor and state legislature to enact changes in statute to improve speed and efficiency of election results across Arizona.

Lesko’s successor in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Abraham Hamadeh, noted the efforts from his predecessor on the election front, writing, “Congratulations to former Congresswoman and now Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko on her swearing-in! Supervisor Lesko is already hitting the ground running honoring her commitment to election integrity by proposing a full audit of our election system processes.”

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.

Maricopa County Board Of Supervisors Sworn In—Thomas Galvin Named Chairman

Maricopa County Board Of Supervisors Sworn In—Thomas Galvin Named Chairman

By Matthew Holloway |

During a special meeting on January 6th, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors were sworn into office, and the new Chairman of the Board, Thomas Galvin, was voted into office unanimously by his peers. According to a press release, the newly elected Chairman Galvin addressed the Board and the county, proposing several new initiatives to “bring increased prosperity and security,” to Maricopa County.

Galvin told the meeting, “We aim to be a board of action, and I aim to deliver a consequential chairmanship that will achieve substantial results.”

Galvin, who represents District 2, acknowledged the historic note of his election as Maricopa County’s first Latino Chairman three years after becoming the first Latino Republican elected to the Board.

During his remarks, Galvin set out his priorities for the Board as being: Safety, the Jail Excise Tax, the Melendres Consent Decree impacting the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Economic Development, Housing, Transportation, Water, Elections, and County Staffing.

One standout moment occurred when Galvin stressed his desire to bring back the NHL to the valley following the departure of the Coyotes from Glendale.

“I’ve been talking to Bettman,” he told reporters, referring to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Regarding elections, Galvin broke with many Republicans critical of Arizona’s process stating, “For anyone still going on about widespread fraud or stolen elections, stop it. To continue to do so is destructive and irresponsible.”

He added, “But what I do appreciate are the people who want to make a good system better. Supervisors Lesko, Brophy McGee, and Stewart each have told me they would like to see Maricopa County examine ways it can improve its elections procedures and provide even more transparency to voters. I agree with them!”

Galvin followed with a brief rundown of reforms:

“My ‘95:1 plan’ would ensure 95% of all votes are tabulated by the end of election night. People want election results faster, and when misinformation has more time to fester, it breeds mistrust in our system.

Our state’s inadequate election laws place the burdens on counties and when voters get frustrated by the process, some denounce our election workers and volunteers who are blameless here. I don’t want our election staff to endure that kind of abuse ever again. They work too hard to have to deal with that nonsense.

Here’s how the legislature and the governor can support our election workers and serve voters in a better fashion:

• First, establish a cutoff date for early ballot drop offs

• Second, use government buildings to host polling sites

• Third, eliminate emergency voting for the Saturday and Monday before election day and allow everyone to utilize in-person voting on those days.

Expanding onsite tabulation on Saturday and Monday before election day solves two challenges regarding access to voting and the speed of results.”

In addition to Galvin’s election as Chairman, three new members of the Board were sworn in with Republican Supervisors Mark Stewart (District 1), Kate Brophy McGee (District 3), and former Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (District 4) joining the five-member body. Supervisor Brophy McGee was appointed to serve as Vice Chair.

“This is a place where I believe I can make a difference on kitchen table, quality of life issues like cost of living, jobs, and public safety,” Brophy McGee said. “I know there are good people and programs already in place at Maricopa County, but there’s so much work to be done to get drugs like fentanyl off our streets, address the homelessness and affordable housing crisis plaguing our county, and ensure our region grows in a smart way. I can’t wait to get started.”

Lesko told the gathered meeting, “Thank you to the great people of the West Valley for your continued support! I’m excited to represent you as your Maricopa County Supervisor. I promise to work hard for you, just as I have done as your U.S. Congresswoman and Arizona State Legislator. My priorities include public safety, election integrity and ensuring your taxpayer dollars are used wisely.”

Stewart similarly noted, “I will collaborate with the community and staff to ensure our county government is transparent and delivers consistent, high-quality services at a fair cost. Working together we can build a thriving environment where families and businesses succeed, and government serves as a reliable partner in our shared future.”

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.

Maricopa County Committee Calls For 20-Year Extension Of Existing Tax Rate

Maricopa County Committee Calls For 20-Year Extension Of Existing Tax Rate

By Matthew Holloway |

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors’ Public Safety Funding Committee (PSFC) presented its findings last week and has recommended that it pursue a 20-year extension of the existing voter-approved tax rate of 1/5th of a cent, set to expire in 2027. It also recommended the expansion of various partnerships to address the funding needs of adult and juvenile correctional facilities, correctional healthcare, and other county programs.

According to a press release from the Board of Supervisors, Chairman Jack Sellers said, “Providing for public safety is a core function of our government, and how we fund those efforts should be transparent and open to public feedback. We established the PSFC to ensure a wide range of views are considered as we determine how to prioritize and pay for evolving public safety needs. I’m grateful for the committee’s diligent work and look forward to a thorough review of their recommendations.”

The committee, established in January, conducted a series of public hearings, toured existing jail facilities, and interviewed several figures within the system before brining its recommendations for long-term funding and other changes to several established policies.

The Board of Supervisors largely appeared to concur with the recommendation to extend the funding, with Supervisors Clint Hickman, Bill Gates, and Steve Gallardo voicing support. Hickman said, “The Jail Excise Tax brings in about $300 million in revenue per year and has been an effective way of funding our public safety needs as the county grows, at a low burden to the individual taxpayer.”

He added, “I agree with the committee’s recommendation that an extension of the tax, at the current rate, is the best way to make sure we continue to live in a safe community where people can thrive economically.”

The 165-page report detailed policy recommendations touching “Reentry, Community Services and Coordination, Programming and Courts, Capital, and Data and Long-Term Initiatives.”

The Committee explained:

“In the first category, they suggested pursuing partnerships for crime prevention and reentry, engaging with the state on Medicaid waivers for pre-trial and pre-release individuals, and engaging in efforts to strengthen the behavioral health system.

The second category focused on maintaining funding for probation and diversion programs, upholding treatment standards, coordinating Initial Appearance Hearings with the City of Phoenix, and discussing juvenile placement policies.”

In addition it recommended replacing outdated facilities, improving the county’s Intake, Transfer and Release facility, enhancing security at the Durango campus, and addressing shortages in the county’s correction workforce.

Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin noted, “The PSFC engaged with residents and key stakeholders honestly and openly over the past year, and now with their recommendations, we can move forward in a united manner to keep our streets safe and support our law enforcement officers.

Chaired by John Lewis, the former mayor of Gilbert and CEO of East Valley Partnership, the committee is composed of nine community members from fields ranging from law enforcement, correctional health, criminal justice, government, and business.

As noted by KTAR News, the Board of Supervisors may agree with the extension of the Jail Excise Tax, and could lobby for it, but it has very little choice in the matter. Ultimately Maricopa County cannot place it on the ballot. That power falls to the Arizona Legislature and the sitting governor to pass and sign into law.

Given the past disconnect between the Republican-dominated Arizona Legislature and Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs, it is uncertain how successful any effort to extend an existing tax would be, or how well received it would be by the voters.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.

Will “Election Officials” Finally Stop Fighting Reforms To Get Results On Election Night?

Will “Election Officials” Finally Stop Fighting Reforms To Get Results On Election Night?

By the Arizona Free Enterprise Club |

Another election has come and gone, and unsurprisingly, Arizona is yet again the butt of national jokes for taking weeks to process ballots and tabulate votes. While some in the corporate media still attempt to defend our vote counting circus, most everyone is in agreement that big changes are needed. It doesn’t take being an election expert to recognize that states with far greater populations, who also experience large rates of early voting, somehow get their votes counted on election night or near to it.

It’s a fix that is long overdue, yet for over five years the reform has continued to run into a political meatgrinder at the state Capitol. Since 2019, our organization, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, has supported, championed, and authored bills to ensure we get results on election night. And while Democrats in the legislature have been an obstacle to reform (they have universally opposed any reforms geared toward getting faster results), they have not been the only impediment to fixing the problem.

The real culprit is opposition from county “election officials,” or more precisely, their taxpayer-funded lobbyists. For years, our so-called election experts have worked overtime to stop any reasonable reforms to Arizona’s mail-in voting system. Their tactics are incredibly disingenuous. When people express their frustration about the glacier pace of vote counting, they clap back (usually with dripping condescension) that their hands are tied by existing law. But when lawmakers introduce bills to change those laws, those same election officials send their army of lobbyists down to the Capitol to fight reform at every turn…

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