Judge narrows board's control of Maricopa elections ahead of midterms

A Maricopa County judge largely ruled in favor of County Recorder Justin Heap in his lawsuit against the Board of Supervisors, finding the board unlawfully seized personnel and equipment and overstepped its authority. The ruling assigns the recorder primary responsibility for in-person early voting and related duties, while the board handles polling locations and other operations. The decision could have wide implications for election administration in a key battleground state and is expected to be appealed by the board ahead of the fall elections.