On Monday, a county official in Arizona pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor after admitting to delaying the 2022 vote certification.
Cochise County Supervisor Peggy Judd (R) was indicted on felony election interference and conspiracy charges last fall after she and a fellow Republican supervisor voted against certifying the county’s midterm election results.
Judd and fellow Republican Supervisor Tom Crosby (R) both voted against certifying the county’s vote canvass in advance of the deadline set by state law. Allegations had claimed the county’s voting machines weren’t properly accredited, but those claims were refuted by the Arizona Secretary of State’s office and the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission.
The county ultimately certified its canvass after a court ordered them to do so, prompting Judd to change her vote.
According to The Hill, Arizona law prohibits felons from holding public office, but by accepting a deal to plead to a singular misdemeanor — failure to perform a duty by an election officer — Judd can retain her seat in the ruby-red county in the state’s southeast corner.
The plea deal comes barely two weeks in advance of the 2024 presidential election where Arizona is again viewed as a critical swing state this cycle, with polls showing a close race.
“Any attempt to interfere with elections in Arizona will not be tolerated. My office will continue to pursue justice and ensure that anyone who undermines our electoral system is held accountable,” Attorney General Kris Mayes (D), whose office prosecuted the case, said in a statement.
“Today’s plea agreement and sentencing should serve as a strong reminder that I will not hesitate to use every tool available to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of Arizona’s elections,” she continued.
Judd will pay a maximum $500 fine and face at least 90 days of probation, Mayes’s office said.
