A judge rejected a request from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to block the Cochise County Board of Supervisors from handing over its election administration to the elected county recorder.

Mayes had argued in her lawsuit that the board illegally delegated its oversight of elections to Recorder David Stevens.

She argued that the agreement was unclear about the board’s ability to oversee elections. 

Timothy La Sota, representing the supervisors, told the Santa Cruz County judge that the agreement with Stevens allowed the board to review any decisions he made and to replace him if necessary.

Judge Thomas Fink said the agreement the board signed gives the supervisors sufficient oversight to meet the law’s requirements, including regular reports from the Recorder.