PHX Reporter

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved a settlement in the case of Strong Communities v. Richer, with a vote tally of 4-1. This decision permits the Maricopa County Recorder to request information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Board Chairman Thomas Galvin emphasized the administrative nature of the decision, stating, "Ultimately, Maricopa County should not have been a party to this lawsuit between a separated elected office—the Recorder—and the plaintiffs."

Vice Chair Kate Brophy McGee clarified that the settlement does not involve traditional damages. "With today’s vote, we are officially stepping away from the lawsuit to allow the Recorder to move forward with a settlement which we understand won’t cost taxpayers any money," she said. The agreement consists of the Recorder sending a letter to DHS seeking clarification and does not require sending names or lists.

Supervisor Mark Stewart expressed hope for cooperation with DHS, "I’m hopeful the Department of Homeland Security will work with our Recorder to run any additional checks they can on federal-only voters so we know for sure they are all U.S. citizens."

Supervisor Debbie Lesko voiced her support for election integrity: “I’m thrilled to vote for this settlement on behalf of Maricopa County voters who care about election integrity.” She explained the intention of the lawsuit was to confirm the citizenship of federal-only voters, allowing only citizens to cast full ballots according to constitutional requirements.

The execution of the settlement is the responsibility of the Recorder and the plaintiffs, with Maricopa County not directly involved.