PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Ten propositions appear on this year’s ballot, including three that would impact the voting process in Arizona if passed. Learn more about the propositions below, including the latest numbers once counting begins after the polls close on Election Day.
The proposition gives the Arizona State Legislature the power to supersede existing, voter-approved measures if any part is declared illegal or unconstitutional. As of now, the state’s Voter Protection Act (Proposition 105) from 1998 prevents the legislature from making any changes to ballot initiatives and referendums. If a court finds problems with a measure, it could be struck down completely. Otherwise, the measure would need to be reworked and put back in front of voters in a future election.
Proposition 129 would limit the scope of voter initiatives to address only one subject at a time. Supporters say it will keep elections simple and voter-friendly. In addition, keeping one item at a time can prevent complicated or “hidden agenda” legislation from being packed in. However, opponents say it could deter initiatives from being comprehensive and inclusive.
The proposition was passed on Wednesday afternoon. This constitutional amendment will make some changes regarding property tax exemptions and allows exemptions for veterans with disabilities, widows, and widowers as soon as they become Arizona residents. Supporters say it allows disabled veterans to obtain financial relief already listed in the Arizona constitution but isn’t being offered based on a technicality. There are no major opposers to this initiative.
Prop 131, if passed, would amend the state’s constitution to create the position of Lieutenant Governor beginning in 2026, replacing the secretary of state as the first line of succession. It provides a familiar model to other states, providing a ticket for who will assume the role of office should the governor be unable to carry out their duties. (Only five states in the U.S. don’t have this position). It also won’t create a bigger government, as this proposal would require the Lt. Governor to assume a current executive position.
Proposition 132 would require any initiative that would create a new tax to receive 60% of the vote to become law. However, there are several groups opposed, many saying this would disregard the majority rule of the people, putting more power back into the hands of state legislators.
Prop 209 covers medical debt, lowers the maximum interest rate from 10% to 3%, and protects more property from being seized or garnished. Supporters say it will protect families and small businesses and save their property. Opponents say it could lead to higher costs for everyone else and that lenders may be less inclined to offer financing.
What is it? It targets so-called “Dark money” in our state’s elections. And it appears voters are mostly in favor of the initiative. If passed, It would ban big money donations from anonymous sources and increase reporting requirements.
More than 68 percent of likely voters surveyed by Arizona’s Family/Highground are in favor of full disclosure, while 13.8% are opposed. Approximately 17.8% are still undecided.
Proposition 308 would guarantee in-state college tuition for students who graduate from a school in Arizona regardless of immigration status. To qualify, they would have to spend at least two years attending a public or private school in our state. They would also be eligible for state financial aid at public universities and community colleges across our state.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego tweeted after the proposition was passed, calling it a victory for Dreamers. “The good news out of Arizona continues tonight — Prop 308 will PASS! This is a historic victory for Dreamers seeking a higher education, opening new doors to opportunity for many Arizonans,” she tweeted.
If passed, this law would require voters to write their birthdate, ID number, and signature on the outside of the envelope (affidavit) voters put their early ballots in; require photo identification to vote in person, and require the MVDs to provide a free-of-charge ID card to those who ask for one for voting purposes.
Proposition 310 would increase the state’s sales tax by a tenth of a percent. That money would go to fire districts across the state, primarily those in rural areas.
Supporters say the money would help cut response times to emergency calls in rural areas, especially along our freeways. The argument against this is that there aren’t enough people living in small, rural communities in those areas to pay for the necessary response.
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