Maricopa County: Arizona’s political engine and election battleground; current disputes over joint election oversight and federal probes shape its governance.
A Scottsdale Circle K is suing the Arizona Lottery and a former employee after an overprint left one ticket among a batch that could win a prize. State rules say overprinted tickets remain retailer property; a May 15 ruling could set precedent on misprinted or abandoned tickets.
Federal agents have raided the Cleveland office of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative and questioned staff and volunteers as part of a probe into alleged fraud linked to 2024 voter registration efforts. Officials say the investigations are ongoing, with no details released about specific charges; officials have not commented. The actions arrive as U.S. elections loom and ties to the Trump administration’s enforcement drive are being scrutinized.
Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap has reached a mediated settlement with the Republican-led Board of Supervisors to resolve a lawsuit over control of election administration. The agreement restores specific responsibilities to the recorder’s office, outlines who handles early voting and Election Day duties, and funds a $15 million IT system for the recorder’s office. The deal governs the July 21 primary as early voting is underway.