In a contentious development in Pinal County, Arizona, Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh has threatened legal action against the county following his defeat in a primary election for sheriff. This move has sparked concerns about election integrity and public trust in the region.
Cavanaugh, a Republican, lost the July 30, 2024 primary by a significant margin. Despite this, he has filed a "notice of claim" against the county, alleging that election officials conspired to manipulate the results. This action comes just two months after he reluctantly certified the primary results, claiming he did so "under duress."
The supervisor's term extends until the end of 2024, meaning he will participate in certifying the general election results, including the presidential race. While Cavanaugh has stated he will fulfill this duty, his handling of his own electoral loss has raised alarm among county and state officials.
Pinal County, located in central Arizona between Phoenix and Tucson, has been grappling with election-related challenges. The county, with a population of over 425,000 as of 2020, has seen rapid growth and demographic changes, adding complexity to its electoral processes. Founded in 1875 and named after the Pinal Mountains, the county has historically relied on agriculture and mining as economic pillars.
Cavanaugh's claim alleges that approximately 35% of votes were transferred through USB sticks, a process he contends unfairly benefited his opponent. He is seeking $65,000 in settlement by year-end or threatens to pursue over $1 million in damages, citing lost potential earnings from two terms as sheriff.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of Arizona's status as a battleground state in national elections. The state has implemented various voting methods, including early voting and mail-in ballots, and requires voter identification at polling places. These measures, along with the state's "permanent early voting list" system, have been part of efforts to balance accessibility and security in elections.
County officials, including Republican Recorder Dana Lewis, have expressed confidence in the election system. An independent review of the primary election, including a cybersecurity assessment, is underway and expected to conclude in October 2024.
Barry Burden, a political scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, warns that Cavanaugh's actions could legitimize unfounded doubts about election integrity. This comes at a critical time when voters are beginning to focus on the upcoming general election.
Pinal County's challenges mirror those faced by many rural, conservative areas across the United States. The county is home to notable landmarks such as the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and part of the Superstition Mountains, famous for the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. As it continues to grow and evolve, maintaining public trust in its democratic processes remains a crucial challenge for local officials.
"We're trying to put out fires, but the arsonist is in our house. He's using his seat of power to undermine elections to undo all the good we've done to try to restore faith."
As Pinal County navigates this complex situation, the outcome may have implications for how election disputes are handled in Arizona and potentially across the nation. With the 2024 general election on the horizon, the county's ability to address these challenges while maintaining public confidence in its electoral system will be closely watched.