Beyond the Ballot AZ

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 actually counts as direct instruction?   Gina and Tom break down how this central idea in the proposition lan...

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. Plus, the discussion gets into how reductions in revenue could affect municipal budgeting and services, f...

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 on the outside of the ballot's return envelope.  The conversation gets into what proponents and opponent...

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 decisions shaping its future.   Arizona’s diverse climate enables farmers and ranchers to sustain a multibill...

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 into how answering a call from educators led to Clean Elections creating a civics comic book series. Li...

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 region’s most talked-about economic development projects. In this episode Tom and Gina sit down with G...

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 of election season, they talk about what happens if anyone damages all of those political street signs...

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 town's second employee! The conversation also gets into how the future mayor and council members will be ele...

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 touch on famous campaign merchandise, some from Arizona that is forever etched into the history books.  ...

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 information.   The conversation centers around the Copper Queen Library in Bisbee which is the state's longest...

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. Looking to the month ahead, this conversation gets into the state’s citizen initiative process, including h...

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 job. Effective debate moderation helps voters become better informed while demonstrating that people w...

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 semiconductors, bioscience and smart manufacturing. The conversation highlights the importance of community-buil...

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 into context, explaining that much of the state's spending is driven by education, health care and public...

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 Election Day.   This conversation gets into how to become a poll worker, explains what it means to serve...

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 posed to candidates by this year's moderators. June also brought a look back at Arizona history, including...

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 gubernatorial candidate Thomas Campbell lost his race to incumbent Governor George Hunt after Hunt challenged...

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 to this day. Whether you are a road trip enthusiast or a history buff this episode captures the grit of...

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.

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. Get the 411 on voter registration (deadline June 22nd!), your new voter education guide, and stream all...

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 Candidates? Submit Your Debate Question  2026 Upcoming Debates & How To Watch Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/...

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 state. Plus, understand the critical role the state legislature plays in water agreements and why voter...

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.  Guest: David Becker Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 po...

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.  Gue...