Partner Andy Gaona offered his legal perspective in a recent Votebeat article examining a controversial settlement that raises important questions for elections statewide. The case centers around a 2023 Cochise County all-mail election for a proposed tax to fund a new jail — now invalidated after a legal challenge revealed the county failed to send ballots to more than 11,000 inactive voters.

The settlement at issue halts the tax’s collection until a new election can be held in November and awards $130,000 in attorneys’ fees to the plaintiff. Andy noted the settlement is troubling, not just because of the payout to the plaintiff, but also because the judge refused to allow Secretary of State Adrian Fontes to challenge it and the parties’ agreement to invalidate the results of an election. Andy called the outcome “little more than a political gift from Cochise County to the plaintiffs,” pondering how it could set a precedent.

With extensive experience in political, election, public, and constitutional law, Andy has played a critical role in the practice’s biggest cases. His litigation expertise has earned him repeat recognition from Southwest Super Lawyers, Chambers USA, and The Best Lawyers in America. In 2022, he secured a spot on Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list.

Check out the full Votebeat article and learn more about Andy Gaona.