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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/baciliainc/), 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 (https://gritacantavota.org/) Captain Activate! And The Future Voters (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/captain-activate) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/lieutenant-governor) How to Run for Office (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/run-for-office)  How Clean Funding Works (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/run-for-office/how-clean-funding-works) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 (https://morrisoninstitute.asu.edu/sites/default/files/2025-05/Education_Finance_Explainer_2025.pdf) CD7 Special Election Primary Debates (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/debate-information) AZ Clean Elections YouTube Page (https://www.youtube.com/@AZCCEC/streams) July 15, 2025 - CD 7 Special Primary Election (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/en/july-15-2025-election/santa-cruz) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 (https://azsos.gov/elections/ballot-measures/initiative-referendum-recall/initiatives) Arizona Memory Project newspapers (https://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/nodes/view/3) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/en/july-15-2025-election/santa-cruz). Voters can verify their congressional district here (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/arizona-election/voter-education-guide/district-locator). CD7 Special Election info + dates (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/) (https://bit.ly/4iC62Cd) Clean Elections website (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/) (https://bit.ly/4jwj9WJ) How to register to vote (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/register-now) (https://bit.ly/3RIysQc) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 (https://www.azcleanelections.gov/) Facebook @Clean Elections Instagram @azcleanelections X @AZCCEC YouTube @AZCCEC Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.