Arizona voters have a unique opportunity to directly shape their state through citizen-initiated ballot measures. This vital part of our democracy allows residents to propose new laws, amend existing ones, and even challenge legislation that doesn’t serve the people’s best interests. Think of key advancements in Arizona like minimum wage increases, paid family leave, enhanced education funding, and the legalization of recreational marijuana – all made possible through this citizen initiative process when the state legislature fell short.
However, this fundamental right is now under threat. Proposition 134 represents a significant challenge to citizen-led democracy in Arizona. While seemingly minor, this proposition could drastically alter the landscape of ballot initiatives, making it significantly harder for everyday Arizonans to have their voices heard.
Currently, getting a measure on the Arizona ballot requires collecting signatures from a percentage of voters statewide. Specifically, it’s 15% of the last gubernatorial election turnout for constitutional amendments, 10% for new or amended state laws, and 5% to challenge a new law. This system ensures broad support across the state is necessary to bring an issue to a vote.
Proposition 134 proposes a significant change: while keeping the same percentage requirements, it mandates that these signatures must now be gathered from every single one of Arizona’s 30 legislative districts. This seemingly small tweak is a game-changer. It dramatically increases the complexity and cost of signature gathering, effectively raising the barrier to entry for citizen initiatives.
The financial implications are staggering. Experts estimate that Proposition 134 could inflate the cost of qualifying an initiative to over $25 million. This astronomical figure would price out most grassroots efforts, leaving the ballot initiative process accessible only to the wealthiest individuals and powerful special interest groups. The very essence of citizen-led democracy, where ordinary people can collectively bring issues to the forefront, would be undermined.
Instead of empowering voters, Proposition 134 would centralize power in the hands of elected officials and wealthy elites. It would silence the voices of everyday Arizonans and limit their ability to hold state government accountable. The beauty of the current system is that any group of Arizona voters can unite to bring an issue to the ballot. Proposition 134 would dismantle this, ensuring only the ultra-rich and well-connected can navigate the arduous and expensive signature gathering process.
Arizona’s ballot should reflect the diverse priorities of all its voters, not just the wealthy and powerful. Protect your right to participate in direct democracy. Vote NO on Proposition 134 to safeguard Arizonans’ ability to propose and enact new laws and constitutional amendments – including critical rights like the right to choose. Don’t let special interests take control of your voice.
