In a world of digital feeds, algorithms and an overwhelming amount of information, sometimes the most effective way to reach voters is also the simplest: having a conversation. In this episode Tom and Gina explore what it takes to connect with communities across Arizona.

This episode also gets into how answering a call from educators led to Clean Elections creating a civics comic book series. Listen to why it has been hugely successful and hear how it resulted in the development of a new undeniably memorable Arizona icon: a 6-foot walkaround mascot.

September is also when there are simultaneous voter registration drives across the U.S. as part of National Voter Registration Day, September 15. Learn what Clean Elections has planned to mark this important day. 

Plus, this episode touches on civil discourse and if lessening the political divide starts with simply learning how to talk about elections and politics, even revealing the ingredients for more productive conversations with people who have opposing views. 

Guest: Avery Xola, Voter Education Manager, Clean Elections

Resources:

Clean Election Events Calendar

General Election Debates Schedule

Verify Your Voter Registration

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Arizona’s first Buc-ee’s arrived in Goodyear with huge fanfare, bringing with it enormous crowds, statewide attention and a new destination for in-state and out-of-state travelers. But long before opening day, city leaders were working behind the scenes to prepare for what would become one of the region’s most talked-about economic development projects.

In this episode Tom and Gina sit down with Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo to discuss how Buc-ee’s chose Goodyear, the city’s role in bringing the project to life and what it takes for local government to prepare for major growth.

Listen to what the final tally of people was on opening day and hear first-hand all about Buc-ee's employee benefits. Plus, hear if the brisket or the fudge are the mayor’s Buc-ee’s favorites!

Guest:

Mayor Joe Pizzillo, City of Goodyear

Resources:

City of Goodyear

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Tom and Gina revisit this month's episodes which show just how many forms civic engagement can take.  They start with the role of libraries in a democracy, revealing the name of Arizona's longest operating library which has been recognized nationally for its work. And because we are in the throes of election season, they talk about what happens if anyone damages all of those political street signs peppered along city streets. August also presented the opportunity to learn about how the newest town in Arizona is taking shape and the benefits for its residents moving forward.

Plus, this month is the start of preparing for voting in the general election on Nov. 3. This year's ballot will be robust including the state's new lieutenant governor office. Tom and Gina explain how this new office changes Arizona's line of succession and what the change means for the Secretary of State's role.

Resources:

Click Here for the General Election Debates Schedule

Verify Your Voter Registration

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Arizona’s 92nd town is taking shape. In this episode Tom and Gina discuss one community’s path to incorporation, its inaugural election and the work of building a town government from the ground up. Listen to why San Tan Valley residents wanted to be incorporated and what it is like to be a town's second employee! The conversation also gets into how the future mayor and council members will be elected.

There is no doubt that hearing first-hand about building municipal services, staffing and systems from scratch is a reminder of Arizona's entrepreneurial spirit. 

Guest:  Dana DeLong, Town Clerk, Town of San Tan Valley

Resources:

Town of San Tan Valley

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Campaign signs signal that it is election season. They line intersections and pop up in neighborhoods. They remind voters that Election Day is approaching. But do they actually work?

Gina and Tom get into some of the thinking that goes into political street signs and grassroots tactics. They touch on famous campaign merchandise, some from Arizona that is forever etched into the history books.

The conversation also explores the financial impact of the production of campaign materials on the local economy and covers the rules surrounding campaign signs including when they can go up and when they must come down.

Guest: Tim Riester, CEO & Founder, Riester

Resources:

Arizona Revised Statutes: Political Signs

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Tom and Gina explore the essential role that public libraries play in civic life and community connection. They are places that foster media literacy, especially important in today's era of misinformation.  They also embody the same values that democracy demands: free and equal access to information.

The conversation centers around the Copper Queen Library in Bisbee which is the state's longest continuous library. It was recognized as the Best Small Library in America and was the recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

Guest: Alison Williams, Library Service Coordinator, Copper Queen Library

Resources:

The Copper Queen Library

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Tom and Gina had a busy July! This episode touches on how civics is meant to be experienced, whether it is being a poll worker to see first-hand how elections operate; seeking out information about the state budget; or learning about Arizona's international connections through local consuls.

Looking to the month ahead, this conversation gets into the state’s citizen initiative process, including how campaigns collect and submit petition signatures, how the Secretary of State’s Office reviews those petitions and the legal standards used to determine whether an initiative qualifies for the ballot.

Plus hear everything about Tom’s field trip to Buc-ee’s in Goodyear and plans to get a city official to discuss the backstory of this retail phenomena on Beyond the Ballot AZ.

Resources:

Be a Poll Worker

The State Budget 

Register to Vote Now

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Moderating a political debate requires far more than asking prepared questions. In this episode Tom and Gina speak with an Emmy Award-winning journalist and a moderator of this year’s Clean Elections' primary debates about the preparation, judgment and real-time decision-making required to do the job.

Effective debate moderation helps voters become better informed while demonstrating that people with different political perspectives can still engage in civil, substantive conversations while creating an environment where candidates can move beyond rehearsed talking points.

This episode also gets into how moderators research each candidate and about the intense preparation it takes including in-the-moment follow-up questions and anticipating where candidate responses might take the conversation.

Guest: Danielle Lerner, Emmy Award-winning journalist

Resources:

Watch Clean Elections Archived Debates

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Explore the international connections that exist right here in Arizona through the state’s honorary consuls. Tom and Gina get into the economic impact of world-wide relationships, including the state's ties to Mexico, Canada, Asia and Europe as well as respective growing industries like semiconductors, bioscience and smart manufacturing.

The conversation highlights the importance of community-building and how a global event like World Cup Soccer is an exemplary cultural exchange. Plus, consuls help connect Arizonans with countries for a variety of services from assisting with matters like documentation, signature verification, personal property and more.

Guest: Carolin Gey, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany and Vice Chair of the Diplomatic Corps of Arizona

Resources: Diplomatic Corps of Arizona

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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 safety needs, while lawmakers negotiate over the remaining funds.

Listeners will hear about several major takeaways from this year’s budget, including a multi-year tax cut package, continued debate over Proposition 123 and education funding, one-time investments in wildfire suppression, the screwworm threat and Colorado River litigation.

The discussion also looks ahead to future budget conversations and why elections matter when it comes to every line item in the state budget.

Guest: Beth Lewallen, Italicized Consulting, Founder and Owner

Resources:

Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting

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