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Board schedules work sessions on voting equipment certification and open‑meeting law concerns
Summary
The board scheduled a Sept. 16 work session on a Department of Justice letter, Sanchez v. Maricopa County and voting‑machine certification questions, and confirmed an October 2 session on open‑meeting law topics after supervisors raised concerns about selective enforcement.
Cochise County supervisors scheduled two follow-up work sessions to address election administration and open‑meeting law concerns. On Sept. 16 the board will hold a work session that includes discussion of a Department of Justice letter, the Sanchez v. Maricopa County matter and voter‑equipment certification questions. Staff said the Sept. 16 session will include, if needed, an executive session to discuss voting‑machine certification topics and related legal advice.
Separately, supervisors set an Oct. 2 meeting at 11 a.m. to discuss proposed open‑meeting law changes and examples board members said demonstrate inconsistent or weaponized application of the statute. Multiple supervisors said the issue has arisen in other counties and through the County Supervisors Association (CSA), and they want to consider legislative remedies and training to reduce selective enforcement.
Board members noted a recent constituent complaint package and a meeting excerpt used as an example; several supervisors asked staff and the county attorney’s office to review alleged violations and provide clarification before the scheduled Oct. 2 session. The board also indicated it will coordinate with other counties and CSA representatives to develop possible legislative changes.
Ending: The board directed staff to assemble materials, recordings and a memo from the attorney general’s open‑meeting office for the Oct. 2 discussion, and to prepare legal guidance for the Sept. 16 work session as needed.
