Cochise County Supervisor Peggy Judd has pleaded guilty in an election interference case stemming from the 2022 midterm elections. Judd, a Republican, reached a plea deal on Monday, pleading guilty to failure or refusal to perform duty by an election officer, a class 3 misdemeanor, according to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
As part of the agreement, Judd will serve at least 90 days of probation and face a fine of up to $500. The case revolves around Judd’s role in delaying the certification of Cochise County’s 2022 election results, a move that violated state-mandated deadlines.
“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,” said Attorney General Kris Mayes in a statement.
Details of the Election Interference Case
Judd and fellow Republican Cochise County Supervisor Tom Crosby were indicted in November 2023 for their refusal to certify the county’s midterm election results before the required deadline. Both officials were charged with conspiracy and interference with an election officer. However, Crosby’s case remains ongoing, with a trial scheduled for January.
The controversy began when Judd and Crosby withheld their votes to certify the election results, citing concerns over the certification of the voting machines used to tabulate ballots. Despite assurances from state and federal election officials that the machines were properly certified, the two supervisors held out until a Superior Court judge ordered them to certify the results. Cochise County’s lone Democratic Supervisor, Ann English, voted to certify on time and was not charged in the case.
Election Integrity and Legal Consequences
This case is part of ongoing efforts by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office to ensure accountability in the state’s election processes. Attorney General Mayes emphasized that any attempt to undermine Arizona’s electoral system will not be tolerated. “My office will continue to pursue justice and ensure that anyone who undermines our electoral system is held accountable,” Mayes said.
The plea deal highlights the legal consequences for election officials who fail to comply with state laws governing election certifications, particularly in cases where no legitimate issues with the election results were identified.
Crosby’s trial is expected to bring further scrutiny to the 2022 election certification process in Cochise County, as both officials faced significant backlash for their delay, which ultimately did not alter the outcome of the election.
