Beyond the Ballot AZ

On December 2nd, the Commission filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Adrian Fontes over the former No Labels Party's change of name to the Arizona Independent Party. It’s a good time to revisit what it means to be an independent in Arizona.  Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission sit down with Dr. Thom Reilly, Co-Director of the Center for an Independent and...

In the general election earlier this month, many Arizona voters decided on ballot items impacting public schools. But how does that process actually fund buildings and operations? This episode breaks down the complex system of Arizona school finance. Hosts Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission talk to Glenn Farley from the Common Sense Institute about hi...

Data guru Garrett Archer joins us to unpack the numbers behind Arizona's shift to a swing state, explaining how changing voter coalitions, the independent voters (unaffiliated voters), and people moving to the state are reshaping our electoral landscape.  We break down the key data points that define Arizona's unique political mix and more.  For official, nonpartisan information on voting in Arizo...

This episode explores how voters influence schools, the current state of education, and how our education system prepares the next generation for the workforce opportunities coming to the state. Hosts Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission talk to Dr. Quintin Boyce, the Associate Vice President of Outreach at Arizona State University, about the link betwe...

Am I going to get social security? What is the federal debt? What is the federal deficit? We’ve got answers.  Hosts Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission brought on Dr. Jose Jurado, a senior research economist at ASU, to talk about personal and federal financial health, the role of tax cuts, and the sustainability of social security. Guest: Jose Jurado,...

Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Elvia Díaz, now an independent journalist, about lessons from her career in journalism, how to best serve hispanic voters, and trust in today’s media. Guest: Elvia Díaz NOTAS con Elvia Díaz - Podcast Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Election integrity, accuracy of vote count, and security of mail-in-voting. These are things we know voters care about, but who actually makes those things happen? Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Sara Rinfret, a Professor from Northern Arizona University, about the role of election officials. Get an inside look at how future election administrator...

We’re talking about how young people are leaning into politics through local engagement, voting, and running for office.  Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Nivea Krishnan, a Senior Advisor for New Voters, about political polarization, civic identity, how Gen Z is approaching politics, and more.  Plus learn how parents, high school students, college...

In this special edition show for National Voter Registration Day, we’re talking about how to get registered to vote and the issues that can impact your registration.  Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Commissioner Ben Hovland who serves on the U.S. Election Assistance Commission after being unanimously confirmed by the US Senate in 2019. Guest: Comm...

Redistricting continued. Picking up from part one, we’re covering the national landscape of redistricting and how recent Supreme Court decisions have shifted the enforcement of anti-gerrymandering laws. Plus how redistricting affects Arizona voters, especially in primary elections, why competitive districts matter, and more.  Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission...

Today we’re talking about how redistricting works in Arizona and what it means to have an independent redistricting commission. Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission talk with Justin Levitt, a professor of law at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, known for his extensive work in redistricting. Guest: Justin Levitt CCEC redistricting explainer All about redistricti...

Curious about the future of third party politics in Arizona? This episode is for you.  Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission sit down with Dr. Thom Reilly, Co-Director of the Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy at ASU, and author of 'The Independent Voter,' to learn more about the two party system, what it takes to run on a third party ticket, and...

The state budget for the upcoming year has passed but not without some pretty lively debate.  The budget tells you what Arizona really cares about, we’re here to give you the scoop. Join Tom Collins and Gina Roberts from the Arizona Clean Elections Commission as they explore this year's intense budget negotiations that almost led to a government shutdown.  They break it all down with the honorable...

In just five days, Arizonans will pick their candidates for the special primary election in the seventh Congressional District (CD7).  Tom and Gina are joined by special guest Steve Goldstein , a seasoned Arizona journalist and debate moderator, to break down everything you need to know, from who’s running, the key issues candidates are focused on, and standout moments from the recent debates.  Pl...

Are your pets ready for the 4th of July? In this special edition episode of Beyond the Ballot AZ, Kim Powell from the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Department shares tips to keep pets calm and prevent runaway incidents.  “Just because your pet wasn't afraid of fireworks last year or the year before, that doesn't mean this year will be the same,” Kim emphasizes. Pet Safety   Tips For Safe...

Ever thought about the influence music has on voters? Music has the power to connect people from all walks of life but it can also motivate people to get to the voting booth. Tom and Gina talk with Bacilia Angel, the founder, president and CEO of Include Us , on how the Grita Canta Vota campaign uses music to empower Latino voters in Arizona.  Plus, discover Captain Activate's role in teaching civ...

Campaigns and endorsements for 2026 are underway, and for the first time, voters will elect the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on a joint ticket. Today, Tom and Gina host a lightning round table with Republican State Senator J.D. Mesnard and former Democratic State Senator Sean Bowie on the role of the lieutenant governor and how it can provide insight to voters. Plus, a primer on running for of...

An educated population means a robust economy, but where does the money for schools come from? You might be surprised how our education system impacts you — even if you don't have children in the school system. Tom and Gina talk with Christine Thompson, the Director of Arizona Together for Impact, about funding public, charter, private, and homeschooling. AZ Education Finance Explainer CD7 Special...

In this episode, we’re talking about conflicts in the Arizona constitution and the power Arizonans have to change the constitution.   In this conversation with Erin Scharff, the Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development, Research Scholar and Professor of Law at ASU, we’re talking about how conflicting language ends up in the constitution and how it’s handled. Learn about Arizona’s especia...

In this episode, we’re talking about the life and advocacy legacy of the late Congressman Raúl Grijalva, and what you need to know about the special election to fill his seat. Tom and Gina chat with former Mayor of Tucson, and current professor in the School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona, Tom Volgy, about Grijalva’s role in southern Arizona and the social movements h...

Beyond the Ballot AZ is a twice-a-month show diving into the stories of legendary Arizonans, notable, and sometimes notorious, political events, and illustrious social movements that shape today’s conversations in our state. A resource of Arizona's Citizens Clean Elections Commission, join Executive Director Tom Collins and Director of Voter Education Gina Roberts as they break down what’s happeni...