BISBEE, Ariz. (AP) – A former election worker in a rural Arizona county whose leaders have backed election conspiracy theories has received a $130,000 settlement over allegations of toxic working conditions.
Lisa Mara, who served as Cochise County Election Commissioner in the 2022 midterm elections, received benefits through the county’s risk management insurance company, the Sierra Vista Herald/Review reported Wednesday.
She said in January that two members of the oversight board had pressured her to participate in the hand-counting of the ballots to reassure some voters who believed the election had been stolen, telling the county submitted a constructive dismissal notice.
Marla, a 10-year county employee, refused to cooperate with the proposed hand-counting of ballots, believing it to be illegal.
A conservative-dominated oversight board refused to recognize the result after a judge blocked the handcount. The judge then ordered them to give proof.
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Through her attorney, she entered into negotiations with the Arizona County Insurance Pool and resigned under duress.
Mara is currently the Deputy Director of Elections for the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State.
When contacted by the Associated Press on Wednesday, she declined to comment on the settlement.
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