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 Rights Arizona: Legal Options Manual

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 on Election Day, not just postmarked.

Resources:

CCEC Voter Dashboard

2026 Arizona Candidates (To Come Following The Challenge Period)

CCEC: Learn Which Candidates Are Seeking Clean Funding

City of Tempe Election Results

Pima County Election Results

Double Check Your Voter Registration Status

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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: Hon. Lena Fowler

Voter Dashboard (GPS Coordinates Accepted)

Voter ID Requirements for Tribal Members

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 information.

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 Voter Rolls are Secured 

What is a Provisional Ballot?

CCEC Voting Glossary (Election Precincts Definition)

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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: Captain Activate Events

CCEC Newsletter

Check Voter Registration Status 

Request a Ballot-by-Mail

CCEC: Contact your County Recorder's Office

America's 250th Birthday Traveling Museum

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 roadmap for voters to educate themselves on judicial performance before heading to the polls.

Guest: Former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court Scott Bales

Alliance of Former Chief Justices

AZ Judicial Performance Review (JPR) Site

Clean Elections Voter Education Guide

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 DeLaTorre, the Director of the Environmental Services Department at the city of Tucson, about the people, processes, and policies behind keeping your neighborhood clean, and find out how you can have a voice in these crucial local operations.

Guest: Carlos DeLaTorre

Clean Elections: Find my Elected Officials

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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.

Check Your Registration Status

Prop 123 Nonpartisan Breakdown

CCEC: 2026 Election Dates & Deadlines

CCEC: Civics Toolkit for Teachers

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.