Beyond the Ballot AZ

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...

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...

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 Reilly CCEC: Propositions FAQ CCEC Glossary: Initiative and Recall Hosted 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 Abela Disability...

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...

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: Ho...

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

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 Restaino Check or Update Your Registration How V...

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:...

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 Seely Hosted on Ausha. See ausha...

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 roadm...

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 DeLaTo...

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....

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, che...