A Trump ally will receive funding for a new information technology system while retaining control of voter registration and early voting.
Maricopa County, Arizona, has faced numerous election-related controversies since Joe Biden won the state in 2020.
The Republican leaders of Arizona’s largest county reached an agreement this week to manage its elections. This ended a yearlong power struggle that threatened the democratic system in this key political region.
In Arizona, election duties are divided between a county’s board of supervisors and its recorder. In Maricopa County, the home of Phoenix, these entities have argued over specific roles.
The recorder, a supporter of President Trump, sued the Republican-led board last year. He claimed the supervisors had unlawfully taken some election responsibilities and funding, including information technology systems. The board accused the recorder, Justin Heap, of trying to create chaos and doubt.
After lengthy late-night negotiations, a legal settlement was approved at an emergency meeting on Tuesday. This followed months marked by conflict and intervention from the State Supreme Court.
The agreement clarifies roles, with the board managing Election Day voting and tabulation. Mr. Heap’s office will oversee voter registration and early voting. Up to $15 million was allocated for the recorder’s new IT system, and funding was provided for additional staff.
“This settlement offers a way out from the problematic situation we’ve been facing,” Tom Galvin, one of the board’s four Republican supervisors, stated during the meeting. “It’s not perfect, but it gives us clarity for future elections.”