PODCAST · society
Beyond the Ballot AZ
by Clean Elections
Beyond the Ballot AZ is a weekly 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 (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/)Facebook @Clean ElectionsInstagram @azcleanelectionsX @AZCCECYouTube @AZCCECHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Episodes
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Tools to Help you Decide if Judges on Your Ballot Should be Retained
Judges make decisions that impact Arizonans every day but how much do you know about the judges on your ballot and how can you learn enough about them to decide if they should be retained? In this episode Tom and Gina get into why the Arizona Constitution requires some judges to periodically…
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AZ Prop. 320: What the 60% Classroom Spending Requirement Could Mean for Schools
Prop. 320 would require certain Arizona school districts to direct at least 60% of their operational budgets toward direct instruction. While the measure is intended to put more resources toward teachers and classroom expenses, the conversation gets into a central question for voters: What…
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Understanding Prop 316 & Arizona's Local Grocery Tax
Gina and Tom take a closer look at Proposition 316, a statewide measure on the Nov. 3 ballot concerning local taxes on groceries. The conversation explains how grocery taxes are structured across Arizona communities and why some cities and towns rely more heavily on this revenue than others.…
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AZ Prop 144 Voter ID & Early Voting List Changes
Proposition 144 would require voters to provide government-issued identification when voting in each election, including when voting by mail. In this episode Gina and Tom explore how that differs from our state's current mail-ballot process which relies on the signature penned by voters located…
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Arizona Agriculture & Water Rights: Understanding the Civic & Economic Impact
Arizona agriculture extends far beyond local produce—it is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, rich history, and the voter conversations surrounding one of Arizona’s most vital resources: water. In this episode Tom and Gina unpack the statewide scope of agriculture and explore the policy...
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The Power of the Conversation & National Voter Registration Day
In a world of digital feeds, algorithms and an overwhelming amount of information, sometimes the most effective way to reach voters is also the simplest: having a conversation. In this episode Tom and Gina explore what it takes to connect with communities across Arizona. This episode also gets…
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Why Buc-ee's Is More than Great Brisket in Goodyear
Arizona’s first Buc-ee’s arrived in Goodyear with huge fanfare, bringing with it enormous crowds, statewide attention and a new destination for in-state and out-of-state travelers. But long before opening day, city leaders were working behind the scenes to prepare for what would become one of the...
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Get Ready for the General Election
Tom and Gina revisit this month's episodes which show just how many forms civic engagement can take. They start with the role of libraries in a democracy, revealing the name of Arizona's longest operating library which has been recognized nationally for its work. And because we are in the throes…
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Meet Arizona's Newest Town
Arizona’s 92nd town is taking shape. In this episode Tom and Gina discuss one community’s path to incorporation, its inaugural election and the work of building a town government from the ground up. Listen to why San Tan Valley residents wanted to be incorporated and what it is like to be a…
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A Sign that It's Election Season
Campaign signs signal that it is election season. They line intersections and pop up in neighborhoods. They remind voters that Election Day is approaching. But do they actually work? Gina and Tom get into some of the thinking that goes into political street signs and grassroots tactics. They…
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Libraries, Civics & the Copper Queen Library
Tom and Gina explore the essential role that public libraries play in civic life and community connection. They are places that foster media literacy, especially important in today's era of misinformation. They also embody the same values that democracy demands: free and equal access to...
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How Citizen Initiatives Qualify for the Ballot
Tom and Gina had a busy July! This episode touches on how civics is meant to be experienced, whether it is being a poll worker to see first-hand how elections operate; seeking out information about the state budget; or learning about Arizona's international connections through local consuls....
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The Debate Stage: What It Takes to Be a Moderator
Moderating a political debate requires far more than asking prepared questions. In this episode Tom and Gina speak with an Emmy Award-winning journalist and a moderator of this year’s Clean Elections' primary debates about the preparation, judgment and real-time decision-making required to do the...
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Arizona’s Consuls & Soccer: A Gateway to the World
Explore the international connections that exist right here in Arizona through the state’s honorary consuls. Tom and Gina get into the economic impact of world-wide relationships, including the state's ties to Mexico, Canada, Asia and Europe as well as respective growing industries like...
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The State Budget: What Voters Should Know
Tom and Gina break down Arizona’s newly passed bipartisan state budget. The conversation explains what the $18.3 billion budget means, where most state spending goes and how the decisions made at the Capitol could affect voters in their everyday lives. The conversation puts the budget process…
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Poll Workers: The Backbone of Elections
Tom and Gina discuss the essential role poll workers play in Arizona elections and how more are needed across the state leading up to the Primary Election and beyond. Oftentimes, they are our neighbors, friends and familiar faces from the community helping voters cast their ballots in person on...
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Get Ready for Early Voting
Tom and Gina recap a busy June and remind you that early voting for the 2026 primary election is underway. So, now is the time to rewatch statewide, congressional and legislative debates hosted by Clean Elections. Start by listening to this episode to hear some of the most poignant questions…
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Lessons from a Gubernatorial Election Recount
In 1916 this Gubernatorial recount changed the outcome of the race but this story is a reminder of just how critical the administration of elections is to democracy. Hosts Tom and Gina sit down with Jaynie Adams, a historian with the Arizona Historical Society to talk about the year that...
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Route 66: Building Arizona's Open Road
Tom and Gina mark the Route 66 centennial by sitting down with Leah Stagg, Director of the Mojave County Historical Society which operates the Route 66 Historical Museum. Hear the less known story about how this route was central to America’s early road system and its positive impact on Arizona…
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Framing Arizona: Power To The People
Hosts Tom and Gina sit down with John Leshy, distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of California College of the Law, to talk about Arizona voter’s ability to propose and vote on state laws. Guest: John Leshy Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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It’s Primary Time! Arizona Debates Are Here
Hosts Tom and Gina are here to make sure you are heard in the upcoming Arizona primary election. They share how candidate debates help you get to know the candidates’ temperament and recap the launch of the CCEC candidate debate program, covering everything from local issues to statewide races.…
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Primary Poll Reveals AZ Voter Priorities 2026
What are the issues driving Arizonans to the polls this election cycle? Tom and Gina sit down with Mirja Riester, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Riester Advertising Agency, to discuss what we can learn from the Primary 2026 Voter Poll. Guest: Mirja Riester Have a Question for the…
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Arizona Water Security
Learn more about the water reality Arizona is facing and how cities are innovating water use. Hosts Tom and Gina sit down with Josef Kennis, the Wastewater Facilities Senior Manager for the City of Chandler, to talk about Chandler's innovative reclaimed water program and water as a whole in our...
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Why Arizona Election Officials Say "Trust the Process" in 2026
Tom and Gina talk with David Becker about the 2026 Executive Order on citizenship verification and how Arizona ensures mail-in voting integrity. Listen to learn how Arizona verifies citizenship for state and local elections, why 80% of Arizonans choose mail, and the power of an executive order....
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Lawsuit, New ID Laws, and Water Security
Join Tom Collins and Gina Roberts as they break down the recent lawsuit to stop the name change of the No Labels Party to the Arizona Independent Party and explain how independent voters can participate in Arizona’s upcoming July 21st primary election. You’ll also get a sneak peek at our upcoming...
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Marijuana, Hemp, & the State Budget
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...
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Why Election Results Can Take Time
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...
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The Ballot Measure Guide
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:...
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Who Can Vote? Breaking Down Guardianship
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...
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Candidate Filing, Vote Centers vs. Polling Places
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...
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How Birth Certificates Impact Tribal Voters
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…
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Who Paid for That? Arizona Political Ads
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...
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The Heat on Arizona Voter Rolls
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…
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Primary Election Changes and Local Voting
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...
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Free Speech in Arizona
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...
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Why Arizona Judges Are on Your Ballot
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...
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Roles of Local Government in AZ: Trash Services
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...
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Arizona 2026 Elections: Primary Changes, Prop 123, & Civic Action
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...
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2025 Arizona Politics Wrap-Up & 2026 Preview
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…
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Explainer: Third Parties
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…
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Arizona School Money: Where does it go?
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...
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How Arizona Politics Has Changed: The Swing State Story
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...
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The Economic Impact of Education
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....
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How Federal Debt and Your Finances Are Linked
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...
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Notes on Democracy with Elvia Díaz
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 Hosted on…
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Count Confidence, Every Vote
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...
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Gen Z's Politics
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…
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How To Opt in To Vote
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....
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How Districts Shape Our Democracy (Part 2)
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…
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Arizona's Approach to Redistricting (Part 1)
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Beyond the Ballot AZ is a weekly 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 (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/)Facebook @Clean ElectionsInstagram @azcleanelectionsX @AZCCECYouTube @AZCCECHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
HOSTED BY
Clean Elections
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Beyond the Ballot AZ have?
Beyond the Ballot AZ currently has 60 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Beyond the Ballot AZ about?
Beyond the Ballot AZ is a weekly 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...
How often does Beyond the Ballot AZ release new episodes?
Beyond the Ballot AZ has 60 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Beyond the Ballot AZ?
You can listen to Beyond the Ballot AZ on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Beyond the Ballot AZ?
Beyond the Ballot AZ is created and hosted by Clean Elections.
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