What Arizona voters need to know about the 10 major propositions on the ballot
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PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- There are ten propositions on this year’s ballot, including three that, if passed, would make significant changes to the voting process. But those aren’t the only issues being presented to voters. Arizona’s Family has you covered on what you need to know on the ballot.
Prop 128: Overturning Voter-Approved Initiatives
Proposition 128 would allow state lawmakers to change any voter-approved initiative found illegal or unconstitutional with a simple majority rather than a three-fourths vote.
- For: Arizona Free Enterprise Club, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Center for American Policy
- Against: League of Women Voters, One Arizona, Arizona Education Association, Living United for Change, Mormon Women for Ethical Government
Prop 129: Changes to Voter-Approved Initiatives
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.
- For: Arizona Free Enterprise Club, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Center for Arizona Policy
- Against: League of Women Voters, One Arizona, Arizona Education Association, Living United for Change in Arizona
Prop 130: Property Tax
If passed, this constitutional amendment would 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.
- For: County assessors from Maricopa, Pima and Yuma counties, Arizona Tax Research Association
- Against: No opposing arguments were filed
Prop 131: Arizona to create “Lieutenant Governor” position
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.
- For: State Sen. J.D. Mesnard (R), State Sen. Sean Bowie (D), League of Women Voters, Arizona GOP chairwoman Kelli Ward
- Against: No opposing arguments were filed
Prop 132: 60% Vote Requirement for Voter-Driven Tax Amendments
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.
- For: Gov. Doug Ducey, Goldwater Institute, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arizona Tax Research Association, Arizona Free Enterprise Club
- Against: Arizona Center for Economic Progress, League of Women Voters, Arizona Education Association, Children’s Action Alliance, Living United for Change in Arizona, One Arizona
Prop 209: Predatory Debt
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.
- For: Healthcare Rising Arizona, Arizona Education Association, Arizona Faith Network, Living United for Change in Arizona, Arizona Democratic Party Chairwoman Raquel Terán
- Against: The Goldwater Institute, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arizona Free Enterprise Club
Prop 211: “Voters Right To Know”
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.
- For: Former Attorney General Terry Goddard, League of Women Voters
- Against: Free Enterprise Club, Center for Arizona Policy
Prop 308: “Dreamers” & In-State Tuition
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.
- For: The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Children’s Action Alliance, Chicanos por la Causa
- Against: Former Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce, Arizona GOP Chairwoman Kelli Ward
Prop 309: Changes to early voting envelopes
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.
- For: Heritage Action for America, Sen. J.D. Mesnard (R), Goldwater Institute
- Against: League of Women Voters, One Arizona, Living United for Change in Arizona
Prop 310: Fire District Tax
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.
A large number of those surveyed by Arizona’s Family/Highground pollsters -- 27.8%, are still undecided on this issue. “Yes” currently outweighs the “Nos” by a very narrow margin.
- For: Firefighting groups across the state
- Against: Kelli Ward (R), Cindy Biggs, Free Enterprise Club
Tap/click here to find additional information on the ballot measures.
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