Beyond the Ballot AZ

Marijuana, Hemp, & the State Budget

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:16:59 +0000

From the first medical marijuana initiatives in 1996 to the passage of Proposition 207 in 2020, Arizona’s cannabis landscape has undergone a massive transformation.

Join hosts Tom and Gina as they sit down with veteran reporter Ray Stern from the Arizona Republic to talk about Arizona’s marijuana markets, how the state allocates marijuana tax dollars, policy impact on this industry, and more.

Guest: Ray Stern

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Why Election Results Can Take Time

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Arizona is a very important state when it comes to elections.

In this episode of Beyond the Ballot AZ, Tom Collins and Gina Roberts sit down with Ned Foley, one of the nation’s leading experts on election law and constitutional democracy. Together, they discuss the decentralized U.S. election system, how transparency builds voter trust, and why election results can sometimes take days to come out.

Guest: Ned Foley

AZ Clean Elections - Voting

AZ Clean Elections -Sign up for text/email alerts to see when your ballot is received and counted.

Tabulation Room Camera Livestream

AZ Clean Elections- Be A Poll Worker

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The Ballot Measure Guide

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 01:49:54 +0000

Arizona is one of the few states where voters have a direct seat at the table.

In this episode, we break down the mechanics of Direct Democracy—including how initiatives, referendums, and recalls allow citizens to shape state law.

Guest: Dr. Thom Reilly

CCEC: Propositions FAQ

CCEC Glossary: Initiative and Recall

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Who Can Vote? Breaking Down Guardianship

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

An agreement between The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) has put a spotlight on guardianship, so we’re talking about how that can impact voting.

We’re talking with Maya Abela, the Deputy Legal Director and leads the legal and advocacy staff at Disability Rights Arizona, about the history and current state of guardianship in Arizona.

Guest: Maya Abela

Disability Rights Arizona: Legal Options Manual

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Candidate Filing, Vote Centers vs. Polling Places

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:38:56 +0000

Learn about the candidates who qualified for July’s primary and what being in the challenge period means.

Plus, hosts Tom Collins and Gina Roberts discuss the differences between vote centers and polling places, tribal voting coordination with the Navajo Nation, and Arizona's strict mail ballot deadline. Arizona is an "in hand state," meaning your ballot must be received by an election official on Election Day, not just postmarked.

Resources:

CCEC Voter Dashboard

2026 Arizona Candidates (To Come Following The Challenge Period)

CCEC: Learn Which Candidates Are Seeking Clean Funding

City of Tempe Election Results

Pima County Election Results

Double Check Your Voter Registration Status

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How Birth Certificates Impact Tribal Voters

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:04:10 +0000

Did you know Native Americans weren't fully granted the right to vote in Arizona until 1948? This week, the landscape of Native American voting rights in Arizona.

Tom and Gina sit down with the Honorable Lena Fowler, Coconino County District 5 Supervisor, to discuss the legal battles, the impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the unique challenges tribal members still face today.

Guest: Hon. Lena Fowler

Voter Dashboard (GPS Coordinates Accepted)

Voter ID Requirements for Tribal Members

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Who Paid for That? Arizona Political Ads

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:19:27 +0000

Living in Arizona means you see a large volume of political advertising.

Pat Custer from AdImpact joins the podcast to talk about why political ads are growing on streaming, how much money is being spent on political advertising in Arizona and around the country, and more!

Guest: Patrick Custer

AdImpact's Political Projections Report 2025-2026

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The Heat on Arizona Voter Rolls

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:54:24 +0000

Learn how Arizona keeps our voter rolls accurate!

Former U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino joins the podcast to discuss the role of the federal government in elections, voter integrity, and the processes Arizona uses to ensure accurate voter rolls. He highlights that instances of unlawful voting are rare and explains election security Arizona.

Guest: Gary Restaino

Check or Update Your Registration

How Voter Rolls are Secured

What is a Provisional Ballot?

CCEC Voting Glossary (Election Precincts Definition)

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Primary Election Changes and Local Voting

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:58:29 +0000

Tom and Gina break down the most important election dates you need to know, especially for the upcoming primary!

Arizona's Primary Election has moved up to July 21st this year and it means voters need to make a plan now.

Arizona is a "Ballot-In-Hand" state! Your ballot must be physically received by your local election official by 7 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark is not enough.

Resources:

CCEC: Captain Activate Events

CCEC Newsletter

Check Voter Registration Status

Request a Ballot-by-Mail

CCEC: Contact your County Recorder's Office

America's 250th Birthday Traveling Museum

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Free Speech in Arizona

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:53:08 +0000

How do the five core protections of the First Amendment actually impact you in Arizona?

In this episode, hosts Tom and Gina sit down with Taylor Seely, First Amendment Reporter at The Arizona Republic and azcentral, to talk about the first amendment. Taylor also shares behind-the-scenes insights from moderating the Tempe City Council candidate debate.

Guest: Taylor Seely

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Why Arizona Judges Are on Your Ballot

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:25:07 +0000

Does the "Judicial Retention" section of your ballot leave you guessing? In this episode, hosts Tom and Gina sit down with Former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, Scott Bales, to demystify the Arizona court system.

We explore the vital role of a nonpartisan judiciary in maintaining the rule of law. Justice Bales breaks down how Arizona’s merit selection system works and provides a roadmap for voters to educate themselves on judicial performance before heading to the polls.

Guest: Former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court Scott Bales

Alliance of Former Chief Justices

AZ Judicial Performance Review (JPR) Site

Clean Elections Voter Education Guide

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Roles of Local Government in AZ: Trash Services

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

This week, we're digging into the essential services that impact your daily life—starting with how your trash gets picked up! As part of our ongoing effort to connect voters with the local government they interact with the most, this episode features the City of Tucson's trash and recycling services.

Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Carlos DeLaTorre, the Director of the Environmental Services Department at the city of Tucson, about the people, processes, and policies behind keeping your neighborhood clean, and find out how you can have a voice in these crucial local operations.

Guest: Carlos DeLaTorre

Clean Elections: Find my Elected Officials

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Arizona 2026 Elections: Primary Changes, Prop 123, & Civic Action

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:16:07 +0000

What you need to know as the 2026 election cycle kicks off. Tom and Gina break down the latest from the Arizona State Capitol, including a look at the 2026 legislative session. From the potential shift of the Arizona Primary date, Proposition 123 and education funding to the massive effort to get 4,000+ students involved in local civics, this episode is your nonpartisan guide to staying informed.

Check Your Registration Status

Prop 123 Nonpartisan Breakdown

CCEC: 2026 Election Dates & Deadlines

CCEC: Civics Toolkit for Teachers

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2025 Arizona Politics Wrap-Up & 2026 Preview

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:44:11 +0000

Tom and Gina break down the most impactful Arizona election results and policy of 2025. They revisit the year’s key themes, from education funding to Gen Z participation.

Revisit clips from expert guests as we analyze how Arizona adapted to the year's challenges and what these developments mean for Arizona political history.

Empower your vote and stay informed. Access nonpartisan voter guides, check your registration, and learn more about the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission at azcleanelections.gov.

CCEC Webpage

AZ Clean Elections YouTube: Arizona Debates: CD7 Special Election - General Debate

C-SPAN: Gov't shutdown to end after House vote; Epstein emails mention Trump

C-SPAN: Speaker Johnson swears in for Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ)

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Explainer: Third Parties

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:50:23 +0000

On December 2nd, the Commission filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Adrian Fontes over the former No Labels Party's change of name to the Arizona Independent Party.

It’s a good time to revisit what it means to be an independent in Arizona.

Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission sit down with Dr. Thom Reilly, Co-Director of the Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy at ASU, and author of 'The Independent Voter,' to learn more about the two party system, what it takes to run on a third party ticket, and where the independent voter fits in.

CCEC: Voting As An Independent In Arizona

The independent vote in 2024: An analysis of swing-states vs. US (from Edison Research / National Election poll via Reuters exit poll data)

Gallup: Independents Drive Trump's Approval to 37% Second-Term Low

Pew Research Center: Support for more political parties in the U.S. is higher among adults under age 50

Gallup: Support for a Third Political Party in the U.S. Dips to 58%

Book: The Independent Voter

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Arizona School Money: Where does it go?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:59:52 +0000

In the general election earlier this month, many Arizona voters decided on ballot items impacting public schools. But how does that process actually fund buildings and operations? This episode breaks down the complex system of Arizona school finance.

Hosts Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission talk to Glenn Farley from the Common Sense Institute about his research on school capital finance formulas.

We cover the basics of AZ school capital finance, policy & impact since the great recession, practical advice for voters on how to research and understand school-related propositions and bonds, and more.

Guest: Glenn Farley

Common Sense Institute: Arizona School Districts’ Growing Problem with Empty Buildings and Empty Buses

Clean Elections Website: Past Elections

Clean Elections Newsletter

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How Arizona Politics Has Changed: The Swing State Story

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:12:10 +0000

Data guru Garrett Archer joins us to unpack the numbers behind Arizona's shift to a swing state, explaining how changing voter coalitions, the independent voters (unaffiliated voters), and people moving to the state are reshaping our electoral landscape.

We break down the key data points that define Arizona's unique political mix and more.

For official, nonpartisan information on voting in Arizona and understanding clean funding, head over to the AZ Citizens Clean Elections Commission website.

Guest: Garrett Archer

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The Economic Impact of Education

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000

This episode explores how voters influence schools, the current state of education, and how our education system prepares the next generation for the workforce opportunities coming to the state.

Hosts Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission talk to Dr. Quintin Boyce, the Associate Vice President of Outreach at Arizona State University, about the link between the economy and education in Arizona.

Guest: Dr. Quintin Boyce

Clean Elections: Nov 4th Local Election

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How Federal Debt and Your Finances Are Linked

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:16:22 +0000

Am I going to get social security? What is the federal debt? What is the federal deficit? We’ve got answers.

Hosts Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission brought on Dr. Jose Jurado, a senior research economist at ASU, to talk about personal and federal financial health, the role of tax cuts, and the sustainability of social security.

Guest: Jose Jurado, Ph.D.

Medicare

Marketplace

Access Your Social Security Account

Crunch Time: Inside the Arizona State Budget

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Notes on Democracy with Elvia Díaz

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:39:52 +0000

Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Elvia Díaz, now an independent journalist, about lessons from her career in journalism, how to best serve hispanic voters, and trust in today’s media.

Guest: Elvia Díaz

NOTAS con Elvia Díaz - Podcast

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Count Confidence, Every Vote

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Election integrity, accuracy of vote count, and security of mail-in-voting. These are things we know voters care about, but who actually makes those things happen?

Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Sara Rinfret, a Professor from Northern Arizona University, about the role of election officials. Get an inside look at how future election administrators are being trained to ensure integrity, security, and efficiency in our voting systems.

Guest: Sara Rinfret, PhD

NAU Elections Administration certificate

AZ Clean Elections Website: Election Security

NPR: Voting officials are leaving their jobs at the highest rate in decades

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Gen Z's Politics

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:31:15 +0000

We’re talking about how young people are leaning into politics through local engagement, voting, and running for office.

Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Nivea Krishnan, a Senior Advisor for New Voters, about political polarization, civic identity, how Gen Z is approaching politics, and more.

Plus learn how parents, high school students, college students, and teachers can activate young people in civic activities- even if they can’t vote yet!

“Critical thinking is our super power.” - Nivea Krishnan

Guest: Nivea Krishnan

New Voters

Circle Data 47% Youth Voter Turnout

CCEC: Youth Voters Resource page

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How To Opt in To Vote

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this special edition show for National Voter Registration Day, we’re talking about how to get registered to vote and the issues that can impact your registration.

Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Commissioner Ben Hovland who serves on the U.S. Election Assistance Commission after being unanimously confirmed by the US Senate in 2019.

Guest: Commissioner Benjamin Hovland

The US Election Assistance Commission Website

National Voter Registration Day Website

The Election Administration and Voting Survey

How To Register To Vote

November 4, 2025 Local Elections

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How Districts Shape Our Democracy (Part 2)

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Redistricting continued. Picking up from part one, we’re covering the national landscape of redistricting and how recent Supreme Court decisions have shifted the enforcement of anti-gerrymandering laws. Plus how redistricting affects Arizona voters, especially in primary elections, why competitive districts matter, and more.

Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Justin Levitt, a professor of law at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, about the implications of partisan redistricting for democracy.

Redistricting Part 1

Guest: Justin Levitt

CCEC redistricting explainer

All about redistricting

AZ Independent Redistricting Commission

CCEC: Find My Elected Officials

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Arizona's Approach to Redistricting (Part 1)

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:59:01 +0000

Today we’re talking about how redistricting works in Arizona and what it means to have an independent redistricting commission.

Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Justin Levitt, a professor of law at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, known for his extensive work in redistricting.

Guest: Justin Levitt

CCEC redistricting explainer

All about redistricting

AZ Independent Redistricting Commission

CCEC: Find My Elected Officials

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Let’s Talk Third Parties

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:33:52 +0000

Curious about the future of third party politics in Arizona? This episode is for you.

CCEC: Voting as an Independent in Arizona

The independent vote in 2024: An analysis of swing-states vs. US (from Edison Research / National Election poll via Reuters exit poll data)

Gallup: Independents Drive Trump's Approval to 37% Second-Term Low

Pew Research Center: Support for more political parties in the U.S. is higher among adults under age 50

Gallup: Support for a Third Political Party in the U.S. Dips to 58%

Book: The Independent Voter

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Crunch Time: Inside the State Budget

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

The state budget for the upcoming year has passed but not without some pretty lively debate. The budget tells you what Arizona really cares about, we’re here to give you the scoop.

Join Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission as they explore this year's intense budget negotiations that almost led to a government shutdown.

They break it all down with the honorable Ken Bennett, former Secretary of State and State Senate President, who shares his firsthand experience on what it takes to pass a budget and the money moves that impact us all.

CCEC: Get To Know Your Elected Officials

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Power Shift: CD7 Special Primary Election

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:00:50 +0000

In just five days, Arizonans will pick their candidates for the special primary election in the seventh Congressional District (CD7).

Tom and Gina are joined by special guest Steve Goldstein, a seasoned Arizona journalist and debate moderator, to break down everything you need to know, from who’s running, the key issues candidates are focused on, and standout moments from the recent debates.

Plus everything you need to know to cast your vote on July 15th!

Early Voting Locations (July 11 Last Day to Vote Early In-Person)

Election Day Voting Location

CD7 Special Election Candidates

View CD7 Voter Education Guide

Watch: CD7 Republican Primary Debate

Watch: CD7 Democratic Primary Debate

Episode on the late Representative Raúl Grijalva

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Fireworks & Furry Friends: Tips for July 4th

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Are your pets ready for the 4th of July?

In this special edition episode of Beyond the Ballot AZ, Kim Powell from the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Department shares tips to keep pets calm and prevent runaway incidents.

“Just because your pet wasn't afraid of fireworks last year or the year before, that doesn't mean this year will be the same,” Kim emphasizes.

Pet Safety

Tips For Safely Using Fireworks

Where Fireworks Are Restricted This Year

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Where Music Meets the Ballot Box

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:59:09 +0000

Ever thought about the influence music has on voters? Music has the power to connect people from all walks of life but it can also motivate people to get to the voting booth.

Tom and Gina talk with Bacilia Angel, the founder, president and CEO of Include Us, on how the Grita Canta Vota campaign uses music to empower Latino voters in Arizona.

Plus, discover Captain Activate's role in teaching civics to Arizona's youth.

Grita Canta Vota

Captain Activate! And The Future Voters

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What a Lieutenant Governor Really Does and How We Got One

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:07:47 +0000

Campaigns and endorsements for 2026 are underway, and for the first time, voters will elect the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on a joint ticket.

Today, Tom and Gina host a lightning round table with Republican State Senator J.D. Mesnard and former Democratic State Senator Sean Bowie on the role of the lieutenant governor and how it can provide insight to voters.

Plus, a primer on running for office with insights into campaign funding options and eligibility.

About the Lieutenant Governor

How to Run for Office

How Clean Funding Works

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How We Pay for Education

Thu, 29 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

An educated population means a robust economy, but where does the money for schools come from? You might be surprised how our education system impacts you — even if you don't have children in the school system.

Tom and Gina talk with Christine Thompson, the Director of Arizona Together for Impact, about funding public, charter, private, and homeschooling.

AZ Education Finance Explainer

CD7 Special Election Primary Debates

AZ Clean Elections YouTube Page

July 15, 2025 - CD 7 Special Primary Election

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Changing the Constitution

Thu, 15 May 2025 23:49:21 +0000

In this episode, we’re talking about conflicts in the Arizona constitution and the power Arizonans have to change the constitution.

In this conversation with Erin Scharff, the Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development, Research Scholar and Professor of Law at ASU, we’re talking about how conflicting language ends up in the constitution and how it’s handled. Learn about Arizona’s especially amenable constitution and the ways amendments are made.

The steps for preparing an initiative

Arizona Memory Project newspapers

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An Arizona Visionary + Special Election

Thu, 01 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re talking about the life and advocacy legacy of the late Congressman Raúl Grijalva, and what you need to know about the special election to fill his seat.

Tom and Gina chat with former Mayor of Tucson, and current professor in the School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona, Tom Volgy, about Grijalva’s role in southern Arizona and the social movements he led. From environmental issues to clean elections, learn about Grijalva’s collaborative spirit and desire to bridge divides.

There will be a special election to fill this seat in the House. The CD 7 Primary election is happening on July 15th and the CD 7 Special General Election will be on September 23rd. Arizona's 7th congressional district covers parts of Cochise, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties. Voters can verify their congressional district here.

CD7 Special Election info + dates (https://bit.ly/4iC62Cd)

Clean Elections website (https://bit.ly/4jwj9WJ)

How to register to vote (https://bit.ly/3RIysQc)

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Beyond the Ballot AZ Trailer

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 18:24:56 +0000

Beyond the Ballot AZ is a twice-a-month show diving into the stories of legendary Arizonans, notable, and sometimes notorious, political events, and illustrious social movements that shape today’s conversations in our state. A resource of Arizona's Citizens Clean Elections Commission, join Executive Director Tom Collins and Director of Voter Education Gina Roberts as they break down what’s happening and how you can get involved in the political process. Engaging lessons you didn't learn in civics class!

Clean Elections Website

Facebook @Clean Elections

Instagram @azcleanelections

X @AZCCEC

YouTube @AZCCEC

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