Over the last decade or so legislators in the majority party at the Arizona State Legislature have been manipulating election laws to give them an advantage in future elections. They’ve also been making it harder and harder for ordinary people to put forward voter initiatives because they view them as a nuisance.
They say all the laws they’ve passed that make it harder to vote and to run voter initiatives are to improve ‘voting integrity’. But make no mistake. It’s clearly being done to give them an advantage so they can continue to control all 3 branches of state government and avoid what they view as meddling by the voters with voter initiatives.
Finally, the folks at Arizona for Fair Elections said enough is enough and took matters into their own hands by collecting enough signatures to put the Arizonans for Free and Fair Elections Act on the ballot this fall.
The Proposition is simple. It basically returns the power to the people, restoring voting rights that have been lost over the years and stops the legislature from making it even harder to run a voter initiative.
Here are the nuts and bolts… it:
- Safeguards voters’ right to pass our own laws via voter initiatives. Prevents opponents of citizen-led initiatives from abusing minor technicalities to try to disqualify petition signatures.
- Makes voter registration more accessible and accurate. Automatically updates your registration when you sign up for a driver’s license or state ID or when you change your address at the MVD. Allows people to register at a polling place on Election Day.
- Protects your right to vote by mail. Protects your right to stay on the permanent early voting list. Right now, you can be removed if you miss a few elections.
- Gives people more time and options for voting. Extends in-person early voting through the day before election day. Allows voters to vote at any polling location in their county.
- Prohibits lobbyists from giving certain gifts to politicians, including paying for lawmakers’ travel and expensive meals.
- Lowers contribution limits. Reduces the amounts that any one individual or Political Action Committees may contribute to candidates.
- Protects voting access for Tribal voters and voters with disabilities. Requires Tribal input on the location and hours of polling places. Protects voters with disabilities by ensuring access to a variety of voting methods, including curbside.
- Protects voters rights to receive needed assistance. Restores voters’ rights to entrust someone to deliver their signed and sealed ballot. Restores people’s rights to provide food and hydration to voters waiting in line.
- Prevents the state legislature from overturning presidential election results. Ensures that the voters decide who wins elections.
- Keeps your ballot private. Guards against ballots and other election materials being turned over to unaccountable outside entities for improper uses.
To be honest, it’s kinda sad that the Arizonans for Free and Fair Elections Act is needed, but it is. Badly.
Vote for transparency, accountability, fairness, and equality. Vote YES on the Arizonans for Free and Fair Elections Act
