Beyond the Ballot AZ

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...