Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes intervened in a controversy in Maricopa County regarding ballot drop boxes after county recorder Justin Heap, aligned with MAGA, threatened criminal penalties for election workers collecting ballots from newly approved drop box locations.

Heap had directed the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors not to install the 12 new drop boxes, claiming legal authority to limit ballot collection sites.

Mayes, a Democrat, issued a letter to Heap's legal counsel and board members, emphasizing that board members and election workers following established procedures would not be committing any crimes.She explained that drop boxes are distinct from early voting locations, as they are solely for depositing completed ballots.

Mayes warned against the dissemination of unfounded threats and reaffirmed the protections provided under Arizona law, citing the Secretary of State’s Elections Procedures Manual.

The intervention highlights tensions in election administration between local officials with partisan affiliations and state oversight intended to ensure lawful voting processes.