Arizona set for legal battles after county refuses to certify midterm results

Republican officials face two lawsuits, likely court intervention to force their vote and potential criminal penalties

After officials in a rural Arizona county refused to certify election results by a legally mandated deadline, they now face two lawsuits, likely court intervention to force their vote and potential criminal penalties.

The rare, likely illegal move by the officials sets up quick court battles as state officials race to certify the election statewide, a process set for 5 December. Candidates and outside parties wishing to sue over the election results await these final results before their court cases can commence.