Arizona is one of the states in which legislation is not limited to the state legislature. In Arizona citizens are allowed to create law via the initiative and referendum system, and we are in the process of doing that right now.
The purpose of this piece is twofold. First, it is to encourage folks to participate in the process by sharing their opinions with others, which would include not only acquaintances, but also all the voters who read the ballot measures information booklet. Second, it is to provide guidelines for folks who are not sure what position to take on three important issues that are likely to appear on the ballot, or do not know how best to express their position.
HOW TO SUBMIT ARGUMENTS PRO OR CON – BALLOT MEASURES
Arguments may be submitted to the Secretary of State for inclusion on the information pamphlet that will go to all voters prior to the election.
To submit arguments and to read the rules and requirements, go to
https://ballotarguments.az.gov/
All the information needed may be obtained by going to that site, including a list of all propositions, but there are four important points to keep in mind.
- The deadline to submit arguments this year is July 11
- The deadline to submit signatures is July 5.
- The size is limited to 300 words, but voters have short attention spans, so the shorter the better, as long as the points are well made.
- There is a fee of $75 per set of arguments submitted.
With this in mind, we at AZRRT are suggesting the following course of action:
- Begin the process today. Do not wait until July 5 to begin the process. Since the window is so small, waiting may not allow enough time to do a proper job.
- Choose the propositions to be responded to, pro or con.
- Begin gathering talking points and developing a strong set of arguments.
- Very important. We should not be just trying to make a point. Our goal should be to convince voters. While many of us would love to offend the other side, for this purpose persuasion is the key. Save the offensive language for other occasions.
- Submit arguments to the SoS once you have a good indication that the chosen proposition(s) will be on the ballot. This could be as late as July 5.
OUR SUGGESTIONS ON THREE IMPORTANT BALLOT MEASURES
NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE. “NO”. Talking points at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ld4j54g5xngnitd/National-Popular-Vote.doc?dl=0
TAX INCREASE FOR EDUCATION. “NO”. Talking points at
https://www.dropbox.com/s/shk5t9rguhubdla/Invest-in-ED-tax-increase.doc?dl=0
CLEAN ELECTIONS REFORM. “YES” talking points at
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8nlki02gs1jkxsi/Clean-Elections.doc?dl=0
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WEBSITE www.azpeopleslobbyist.com