This November, Arizona voters face a pivotal election that will shape the future freedoms, rights, and liberties for generations. Beyond electing candidates across all levels of government, Arizonans will encounter a lengthy and crucial ballot.
Arizona’s 2024 ballot is notably extensive, presenting voters statewide with two pages filled with candidates for various political offices, judicial retention considerations, and significant propositions that demand careful attention this November. Every item on your ballot holds importance, especially when it comes to protecting and advancing civil rights and liberties for everyone in Arizona. It is essential to thoroughly review each option and complete your ballot thoughtfully from beginning to end.
Get Ready to Vote: Key Dates and Actions
To ensure your voice is heard in this critical election, preparation is key. Here’s how to get ready:
- Mark Important Dates: Stay informed about all election dates and deadlines. Knowing these dates is crucial for timely voting.
- Ballot Research: Take the time to research both the candidates and the issues that will be on your ballot before you cast your vote. Informed decisions are empowered decisions.
- Allocate Sufficient Time: The ballot is lengthy, so give yourself ample time to carefully read and complete the entire ballot. Rushing can lead to overlooking important choices.
- Vote Early by Mail: Enjoy the convenience of voting early by mail from your home. Sign up for the Active Early Voter List or request a one-time mail-in ballot to vote at your own pace.
- Early In-Person Voting: Alternatively, vote early in-person at designated locations between October 9 and November 1.
- Know Your Voting Rights: Be fully aware of your rights as a voter both leading up to and on Election Day. Understanding your rights ensures a smooth and fair voting experience.
- Consult the Proposition Guide: Utilize resources like the proposition guide below to understand the implications of each measure.
ACLU of Arizona’s 2024 Propositions Guide: Your AZ Voter Resource
The following guide from the ACLU of Arizona offers a summary and stance on ten propositions that are deemed to have a profound impact on civil liberties and rights within Arizona. This Az Voter Guide aims to equip you with the necessary information to make informed decisions.
| Proposition | Description | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Proposition 139: Right to Abortion Amendment | Proposition 139 seeks to explicitly establish the right to abortion within the Arizona State Constitution. This measure is designed to ensure that Arizonans have the fundamental freedom to make personal decisions about pregnancy and abortion, keeping these sensitive choices out of the hands of politicians. Learn More | Support |
| Proposition 133: Ban on Non-Partisan Elections | This proposition aims to prohibit cities and towns in Arizona from holding non-partisan elections. It mandates partisan primary elections and disallows primary elections where all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, compete in the same primary. Proposition 133 would effectively prevent local Arizona communities from choosing the election formats that best suit their needs, which could negatively impact local democracy and voter choice. | Oppose |
| Proposition 134: Stricter Ballot Measure Requirements | Proposition 134 proposes to increase the difficulty and cost associated with placing voter-initiated ballot measures on the ballot. It introduces a new signature distribution requirement based on the state’s legislative districts. This change would make it harder for citizens to directly influence policy through ballot initiatives. Learn More | Oppose |
| Proposition 136: Challenges to Ballot Measures | Proposition 136 is designed to undermine voter-initiated ballot measures by granting special interest groups, corporate lobbyists, and the state legislature the ability to launch expensive legal challenges against a petition even before it is presented to voters. This could stifle grassroots movements and make it easier for powerful entities to block citizen-led initiatives. Learn More | Oppose |
| Proposition 137: Judicial Accountability Changes | Proposition 137 seeks to eliminate Arizona voters’ power to vote on the retention or removal of Arizona Supreme Court justices and superior court judges. This proposition challenges fundamental democratic principles of judicial accountability and independence by reducing the public’s direct oversight of the judiciary. Learn More | Oppose |
| Proposition 138: Wage Reduction for Tipped Workers | This proposition introduces a potential pay cut for tipped workers, allowing employers to reduce their hourly wage by up to 25% below the minimum wage. This is permissible if the worker’s total compensation, including tips, is not less than the minimum wage plus $2. Adding a constitutional wage reduction specifically for tipped workers could increase economic inequality, particularly affecting vulnerable groups who already face inadequate workplace protections. | Oppose |
| Proposition 311: Mandatory Minimum Sentences | Proposition 311 mandates new minimum sentences for a range of crimes, which is expected to increase Arizona’s prison population. It also diminishes the discretion of judges in sentencing, limiting their ability to tailor sentences to individual circumstances. Furthermore, concerns have been raised that this proposition is redundant with existing criminal restitution laws in Arizona. | Oppose |
| Proposition 312: Criminalizing Homelessness and Corporate Tax Breaks | Proposition 312 aims to further criminalize homelessness, compelling cities and towns to adopt measures that may violate the rights of unhoused individuals. It also includes provisions that could allow corporations to avoid paying taxes, potentially threatening the financial stability of the state. Learn More | Oppose |
| Proposition 313: Life Sentences for Sex Trafficking | This proposition removes judicial and court discretion in sentencing for sex trafficking offenses involving a minor. It mandates a life sentence for anyone convicted, even if they themselves are a victim of sex trafficking. Critics argue this approach is overly harsh and fails to consider the complexities of trafficking situations. | Oppose |
| Proposition 314: Immigration Enforcement Expansion | Proposition 314 is described as a costly and inhumane proposal that would empower state and local law enforcement to target individuals based on assumptions about their immigration status. It is feared to encourage racial profiling and violate the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers within Arizona. Learn More | Oppose |
For a comprehensive list of all propositions, including additional local propositions specific to your county, please visit here. This AZ voter guide is intended to help you navigate the ballot with confidence and clarity.
