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 redistricting

AZ Independent Redistricting Commission

CCEC: Find My Elected Officials

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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 where the independent voter fits in.

CCEC: Voting as an Independent in Arizona

The independent vote in 2024: An analysis of swing-states vs. US (from Edison Research / National Election poll via Reuters exit poll data)

Gallup: Independents Drive Trump's Approval to 37% Second-Term Low

Pew Research Center: Support for more political parties in the U.S. is higher among adults under age 50

Gallup: Support for a Third Political Party in the U.S. Dips to 58%

Book: The Independent Voter

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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 Ken Bennett, former Secretary of State and State Senate President, who shares his firsthand experience on what it takes to pass a budget and the money moves that impact us all.

CCEC: Get To Know Your Elected Officials

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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. 

Plus everything you need to know to cast your vote on July 15th!

Early Voting Locations (July 11 Last Day to Vote Early In-Person)

Election Day Voting Location

CD7 Special Election Candidates

View CD7 Voter Education Guide

Watch: CD7 Republican Primary Debate

Watch: CD7 Democratic Primary Debate

Episode on the late Representative Raúl Grijalva

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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 Safely Using Fireworks

Where Fireworks Are Restricted This Year

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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 civics to Arizona's youth.

Grita Canta Vota

Captain Activate! And The Future Voters

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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 office with insights into campaign funding options and eligibility. 

About the Lieutenant Governor

How to Run for Office 

How Clean Funding Works

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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 Election Primary Debates

AZ Clean Elections YouTube Page

July 15, 2025 - CD 7 Special Primary Election

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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 especially amenable constitution and the ways amendments are made.

The steps for preparing an initiative

Arizona Memory Project newspapers

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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 he led. From environmental issues to clean elections, learn about Grijalva’s collaborative spirit and desire to bridge divides. 

There will be a special election to fill this seat in the House. The CD 7 Primary election is happening on July 15th and the CD 7 Special General Election will be on September 23rd. Arizona's 7th congressional district covers parts of Cochise, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties. Voters can verify their congressional district here.

CD7 Special Election info + dates (https://bit.ly/4iC62Cd)

Clean Elections website (https://bit.ly/4jwj9WJ)

How to register to vote (https://bit.ly/3RIysQc)

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