Beyond the Ballot AZ

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 water security series and learn how a new state law allows you to tabulate your early ballot at the polls for faster results.July 21st Statewide Primary ElectionsMay 19 Local ElectionsCCEC Voter GuideIndependent Voters FAQCandidate Legal ChallengesHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 SternHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 FoleyAZ Clean Elections - VotingAZ Clean Elections -Sign up for text/email alerts to see when your ballot is received and counted.Tabulation Room Camera LivestreamAZ Clean Elections- Be A Poll WorkerHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 ReillyCCEC: Propositions FAQCCEC Glossary: Initiative and RecallHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 AbelaDisability Rights Arizona: Legal Options ManualHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 Dashboard2026 Arizona Candidates (To Come Following The Challenge Period)CCEC: Learn Which Candidates Are Seeking Clean FundingCity of Tempe Election ResultsPima County Election ResultsDouble Check Your Voter Registration StatusHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 FowlerVoter Dashboard (GPS Coordinates Accepted)Voter ID Requirements for Tribal MembersHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 CusterAdImpact's Political Projections Report 2025-2026Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 RestainoCheck or Update Your RegistrationHow Voter Rolls are Secured What is a Provisional Ballot?CCEC Voting Glossary (Election Precincts Definition)Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 EventsCCEC NewsletterCheck Voter Registration Status Request a Ballot-by-MailCCEC: Contact your County Recorder's OfficeAmerica's 250th Birthday Traveling MuseumHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 SeelyHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 BalesAlliance of Former Chief JusticesAZ Judicial Performance Review (JPR) SiteClean Elections Voter Education GuideHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 DeLaTorreClean Elections: Find my Elected OfficialsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 StatusProp 123 Nonpartisan BreakdownCCEC: 2026 Election Dates & DeadlinesCCEC: Civics Toolkit for TeachersHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 WebpageAZ Clean Elections YouTube: Arizona Debates: CD7 Special Election - General DebateC-SPAN: Gov't shutdown to end after House vote; Epstein emails mention TrumpC-SPAN: Speaker Johnson swears in for Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ)Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 ArizonaThe 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 LowPew Research Center: Support for more political parties in the U.S. is higher among adults under age 50Gallup: Support for a Third Political Party in the U.S. Dips to 58%Book: The Independent VoterHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 FarleyCommon Sense Institute: Arizona School Districts’ Growing Problem with Empty Buildings and Empty BusesClean Elections Website: Past ElectionsClean Elections NewsletterHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 ArcherHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 BoyceClean Elections: Nov 4th Local ElectionHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 MarketplaceAccess Your Social Security AccountCrunch Time: Inside the Arizona State BudgetHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 DíazNOTAS con Elvia Díaz - PodcastHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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, PhDNAU Elections Administration certificate AZ Clean Elections Website: Election SecurityNPR: Voting officials are leaving their jobs at the highest rate in decadesHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 KrishnanGuest: Nivea KrishnanNew VotersCircle Data 47% Youth Voter TurnoutCCEC: Youth Voters Resource pageHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 HovlandThe US Election Assistance Commission WebsiteNational Voter Registration Day WebsiteThe Election Administration and Voting SurveyHow To Register To VoteNovember 4, 2025 Local ElectionsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 1Guest: Justin LevittCCEC redistricting explainerAll about redistrictingAZ Independent Redistricting CommissionCCEC: Find My Elected OfficialsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 LevittCCEC redistricting explainerAll about redistrictingAZ Independent Redistricting CommissionCCEC: Find My Elected OfficialsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Curious about the future of third party politics in Arizona? This episode is for you. 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 ArizonaThe 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 LowPew Research Center: Support for more political parties in the U.S. is higher among adults under age 50Gallup: Support for a Third Political Party in the U.S. Dips to 58%Book: The Independent VoterHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 OfficialsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 LocationCD7 Special Election CandidatesView CD7 Voter Education GuideWatch: CD7 Republican Primary DebateWatch: CD7 Democratic Primary DebateEpisode on the late Representative Raúl GrijalvaHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 FireworksWhere Fireworks Are Restricted This YearHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 VotaCaptain Activate! And The Future VotersHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 GovernorHow to Run for Office How Clean Funding WorksHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 ExplainerCD7 Special Election Primary DebatesAZ Clean Elections YouTube PageJuly 15, 2025 - CD 7 Special Primary ElectionHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 initiativeArizona Memory Project newspapersHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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)Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 WebsiteFacebook @Clean ElectionsInstagram @azcleanelectionsX @AZCCECYouTube @AZCCECHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.