Arizona Election Official Pleads Guilty, Signaling Commitment to Election Integrity

Peggy Judd, one of two rural Arizona county supervisors charged with refusing to certify the results of the 2022 midterm elections, pleaded guilty on Monday to a misdemeanor count of failing to fulfill her duties as an election officer. This development comes just two weeks before the November 5 general election and is viewed as a cautionary tale for other county officials who may face pressure from election conspiracy theorists to refuse certification.

“Judd’s guilty plea is a significant step towards ensuring election integrity in Arizona,” remarked Thomas Volgy, a former mayor of Tucson and a professor specializing in democratic processes at the University of Arizona. “It should serve as a clear message to county officials that tampering with voters’ intentions for partisan advantage will not be tolerated.”

Peter Bondi, managing director of the nonprofit organization Informing Democracy, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Judd’s plea underscores the obligation of election officials to certify results. “This is a reminder that the duty to certify is non-negotiable, and it should deter any official from trying to undermine the will of the voters,” he stated. Bondi characterized the plea as a victory for democracy and for every voter who participates in the upcoming election.

As part of a plea agreement in Maricopa County Superior Court, Judd avoided a felony charge and will serve a minimum of 90 days of unsupervised probation, alongside a maximum $500 fine. Judd’s attorney, Kurt Altman, noted that his client was relieved to move past this legal issue.

Last year, Judd and fellow Republican Tom Crosby were indicted on felony charges of conspiracy and interference with an election officer after they delayed the canvassing of election results. The third member of their three-person board, Democrat Ann Crosby, had voted in favor of certifying the election. Ultimately, a judge intervened to ensure that the Cochise County results were certified, albeit after the deadline.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes emphasized the importance of upholding election integrity in a statement following Judd’s plea. “Any attempt to interfere with elections in Arizona will not be tolerated,” she affirmed. Mayes reiterated her office’s commitment to pursue justice against those undermining the electoral system, stating, “Today’s plea agreement and sentencing should serve as a strong reminder that I will use every tool at my disposal to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of Arizona’s elections.”

In their attempts to question the election process, Judd and Crosby had advocated for a hand count of all ballots in Cochise County, fueled by widespread conspiracy theories regarding the legitimacy of the vote and drawn-out public hearings that often lasted for hours. They also expressed doubts about the reliability of vote tabulation machines. Their efforts coincided with a time when Republicans lost significant races for governor and attorney general to Democratic candidates in November 2022.

While Judd has chosen not to seek reelection, Tom Crosby is still facing trial on similar charges in January and is campaigning for reelection this November. When contacted, Crosby appeared unaware of Judd’s guilty plea and did not respond to requests for comment.

Arizona’s political landscape has shifted in recent years, with Democrats gaining traction, particularly in urban areas like Phoenix. Once a reliably Republican state, Arizona has transformed into a battleground, attracting residents from other states drawn by economic opportunities in the rapidly growing city.

Judd’s plea and the ongoing legal challenges faced by Crosby serve as critical reminders of the importance of accountability among election officials. As the state approaches another election cycle, maintaining public trust in the electoral process remains paramount. The outcome of these events will likely shape future political dynamics in Arizona and influence how election officials conduct their duties in the face of external pressures.