Judge Dismisses Lawsuit on Cochise County Prison District Election

In Bisbee, Arizona, a Superior Court judge has discarded a lawsuit that challenged Cochise County’s intention to hold a new election for a prison district, allowing voters to decide on a proposed sales tax this November.

Judge Michael Latham agreed to the dismissal in the case of Lachance v. Cochise County. He noted that moving ahead with the elections scheduled for November 4, 2025, is the most effective way to address issues stemming from the problematic 2023 vote. This ruling supports the county supervisors’ decision to proceed with the new election.

In a statement from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, they remarked:

The recent prison district tax election, which was approved by residents in May 2023, has faced challenges. However, the need for safe and modern detention facilities in Cochise County remains a crucial priority. We are dedicated to exploring legal and financially responsible alternatives that align with community values and legal standards. Going forward, we will remain transparent with stakeholders and the public, aiming to replace outdated prison infrastructures, ensure public safety, and identify sustainable solutions for inmate care that meet constitutional requirements.

The court also turned down a request to intervene regarding the Arizona Secretary’s case.

This dispute stemmed from the 2023 prison district election, where it was reported that around 11,000 eligible voters did not receive ballots. In response, the board adopted resolution JD25-01 on May 6, 2025, deciding whether to seek a new election formally and to approve a sales tax intended to fund the construction of a new county prison.

Timothy La Sota, a board director, characterized the court’s ruling as a win for local governance. He stated, “This decision shows Cochise County’s approach to resolving challenging electoral issues and counters the questionable actions of officials statewide.”

As part of the CCSO’s official remarks, Sheriff Mark Dannel expressed, “There were more questions than we could answer regarding how we reached this point, and the collective dedication from our team and beyond was commendable, including Commander Kenny Bradshaw and his crew. Their persistent efforts to gather information and educate our community about outdated prison conditions were noteworthy. I have faith in the rule of law and respect the court’s decisions, and our team will continue to advance our mission focused on public safety.”

All registered voters in Cochise County, including residents from cities and unincorporated areas, are eligible to vote. Early voting kicks off on October 8. In-person voting will be available on Election Day.

Statements for and against the voter information brochure are due by August 6, with the brochure scheduled to be mailed by September 30.

The proposed tax will terminate once enough revenue has been raised to construct the facility and pay off the associated debt. At that point, the prison district will cease to exist.