Maricopa County supervisors adopt CD7 special-election plan, bar automatic mailings to remote precincts

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on Monday adopted the county'wide plan for the 2025 special primary and general elections in Congressional District 7 and barred an option the recorder's office had proposed to automatically mail ballots to remote precincts not on the early-ballot list.

The board approved the plan following a motion by Vice Chair Supervisor Brophy McGee: "I move the adoption of the 2025 special congressional district 7 primary and general elections plan to exclude and prohibit automatic mail ballots to voters in remote precincts not enrolled in the early ballot program." Supervisor Lesko seconded the motion. After roll call the board voted in favor; the clerk recorded the motion as passing among members present (4'0 yes, 0'0 yes recorded against; one supervisor was absent).

The move followed a brief but pointed exchange over whether the county should proactively mail ballots to rural voters who are not on the active early voting list. Supervisor Lesko said she had "a concern, a very strong concern against automatically mailing voters' ballots that are not on the active early voter list," adding that "I think it's up to the voters to do so." Supervisor Gallardo said he supported the motion but emphasized access, calling Maricopa County a national model for both access and security.

Why this matters: the CD7 special election covers precincts spanning multiple Arizona counties and a variety of communities, and the recorder's office had proposed targeted automatic mailings for precincts with long drive times to vote centers. Opponents said automatic mailings to voters who did not request them could set a precedent and risk legal or political backlash; supporters of more aggressive outreach said the county should avoid disenfranchising voters in isolated areas.

Board members who voted in favor cited legal caution and the need to follow statute. Vice Chair Brophy McGee said the decision was made "in the spirit" of following the law. Chairman Galvin said he supported the motion and praised the elections and recorder teams for their preparation while expressing concern that the automatic-mail option could be a "slippery slope."

The plan otherwise approved by the board remains in effect, including the proposed vote-center schedule, outreach plans and operational staffing. County and recorder staff said the county will continue to use earned media, press conferences and social channels to reach voters and that voters in any remote precinct can still request a mail ballot individually.

The board's action does not prohibit individual mail-ballot requests; it removes the recorder's automatic-mail proposal for voters not already enrolled on the county's early-ballot lists.

Outcome and next steps: staff said they will finalize the locations and publish addresses in a forthcoming resolution and continue outreach and legal coordination with the county attorney's office on any statutory questions that arise.