Cochise County Supervisor Peggy Judd pleads guilty to a misdemeanor charge for delaying the certification of the 2022 elections, bringing the legal saga to a close.
At a Glance
- Peggy Judd pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, avoiding felony charges.
- Judd’s offense involved delaying the 2022 midterm election results.
- She retains her role and faces probation and a fine.
- Arizona’s legal action underscores a no-tolerance policy for election interference.
Judd’s Plea Agreement
Peggy Judd, Supervisor of Cochise County, agreed to a plea deal concerning actions that delayed the certification of election results in 2022. Initially, Judd faced felony charges related to election interference and conspiracy, but by pleading guilty to a misdemeanor, she avoided the heavy legal penalties. The plea comes amid heightened attention to election integrity, especially with Arizona’s status as a swing state in upcoming elections.
Under the agreement, Judd remains in office as a Cochise County Supervisor. Her legal sentence includes 90 days of unsupervised probation and a $500 fine. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes emphasized, “Any attempt to interfere with elections in Arizona will not be tolerated. My office will continue to pursue justice and ensure that anyone who undermines our electoral system is held accountable.”
Cochise County Supervisor Peggy Judd pled guilty to a single misdemeanor for delaying certification of the 2022 election and avoided felony charges as part of a plea deal extended by the Attorney General’s office.https://t.co/TDyg1Bscna
— AZ Capitol Times (State Affairs Arizona) (@AzCapitolTimes) October 21, 2024
Background on the Delayed Certification
The controversy surrounding Judd arose when, alongside Supervisor Tom Crosby, she voted against certifying Cochise County’s midterm results. This decision followed unproven allegations questioning the reliability of voting machines. As a result of this delay, legal action forced the county to certify its canvass, leading Judd to reverse her vote. Meanwhile, Crosby still faces ongoing felony charges.
Judd’s case has cast a spotlight on election law enforcement, reflecting broader political narratives tied to the post-2020 election responses. The charges against Judd were the first of their kind in the U.S. regarding election certification refusals. Despite the legal pressures, Judd stated that the relief from resolving the case was palpable.
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.https://t.co/4X381PEgpH
— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) October 21, 2024
Implications and Future
Judd’s plea confirms the importance of maintaining strict compliance with election laws, ensuring all officials adhere to their duties. The agreement has national implications, particularly as states like Arizona continue to be focal points in election-related discussions. Kris Mayes underscored this in her statement urging vigilance and accountability in electoral processes.
Although her term concludes soon, Judd’s case serves as a touchstone for understanding the current climate of election law enforcement. The legal proceedings signal a clear message: election interference will meet swift and decisive legal action. Judd’s expressed understanding of her responsibilities highlights the necessity for all government officials to fulfill their roles with integrity and transparency.
Sources:
- Arizona county supervisor takes plea deal after delaying 2022 election certification
- Cochise County supervisor pleas guilty for delaying 2022 election certification
- Republican Official in Arizona Pleads Guilty in Election Certification Case
