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 Sustainable Democracy at ASU, and author of 'The Independent Voter,' to learn more about the two party system, what it...

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 his research on school capital finance formulas. 

We cover the basics of AZ school capital finance, policy & impact since the great recession, practical advice for voters on how t...

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 Arizona and understanding clean funding, head over to the AZ Citizens Clean Elections Commission website.

Guest: Garrett Archer

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 between the economy and education in Arizona.

Guest: Dr. Quintin Boyce

Clean Elections: Nov 4th Local Election

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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, Ph.D.

Medicare 

Marketplace

Access Your Social Security Account

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

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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 administrators are being trained to ensure integrity, security, and efficiency in our voting systems.

Guest: Sara Rinfret, PhD

NAU Elections Administration...

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 students, and teachers can activate young people in civic activities- even if they can’t vote yet!

“Critical thinking is our super power.” - Nivea Kr...

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: Commissioner Benjamin Hovland

The US Election Assistance Commission Website

National Voter Registration Day Website

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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 talk with Justin Levitt, a professor of law at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, about the implications of partisan redistricting for democracy.

Redistricting Part 1

Guest: Justin Levitt

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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

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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

Duration: 00:09:29

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 bu...

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 Loca...

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 Re...

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

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

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

Ju...

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

Hosted...

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...

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 happening and how you can get involved in the political process. Engaging lessons you didn't learn in civics class! 

Clean Elections Website

Facebook @Clean Elections

Instagram @azcleanelections

X @AZCCEC

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