Arizona Votes: Here’s our guide to 2022 general election ballot propositions
Oct 21, 2022, 7:00 AM | Updated: 7:10 am
In this Nov. 4, 2020, file photo, Maricopa County elections officials count ballots at the Maricopa County Recorder's Office in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX – Arizonans will be asked to consider 10 ballot measures when they vote in the Nov. 8 general election.
The initiatives cover a wide range of subjects, including the voting process itself, taxation, the creation of a new statewide office and debt collection.
Early voting starts Oct. 12. The last day to register and be eligible to participate in the election is Oct. 11.
Here’s a breakdown of Arizona’s ballot measures and the arguments for and against them, along with KTAR News 92.3 FM reports and links to additional coverage, as available:
Proposition 128
Prop 128 would allow the Legislature to make changes to or divert funds from laws passed by voters through ballot initiatives if the Arizona or U.S. Supreme Court finds that they contain illegal or unconstitutional language.
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Proponents think the current methods for handling such situations aren’t sufficient, while opponents think the proposal gives too much power to lawmakers to override the will of the voters.
Prop 128 ballot measure language from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Proposition 129
Supporters say it would keep voters from being misled and reveal an initiative’s true interest, while opponents argue it would limit citizens’ ability to propose legislation.
Prop 129 would limit a ballot measure to one subject and require that subject to be expressed in the initiative’s title.
Prop 129 ballot measure language from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Proposition 130
Prop 130 asks voters to amend the Arizona Constitution in order to restore property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.
Supporters say it would fix constitutional language to provide those who served with the tax benefits they are due. No arguments against the measure were were submitted to the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Prop 130 ballot measure language from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Proposition 131
Prop 131 would amend the state’s constitution by creating a position for lieutenant governor. Currently, if the governor can’t fulfill the office’s duties temporarily or permanently, the secretary of state assumes the position.
Proponents of the measure feel there’s been too much turnover in the governor’s office and not enough continuity, while opponents feel the position would be a waste of money and could lead to corruption.
Prop 131 ballot measure language from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Proposition 132
Prop 132 asks voters if future initiatives or referendums that enact a tax should require a supermajority of at least 60% to pass instead of the current 50% threshold.
Supporters say it would reduce the impact of special interest groups, while opponents say it’s an attempt by lawmakers to take power away from voters.
Prop 132 ballot measure language from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Proposition 209
Prop 209 would reduce interest rates on medical debt and make more personal assets exempt from debt collection.
Supporters tout it as a way to give people in debt some more breathing room. Opponents believe it will actually hurt those it aims to help by making them less likely to be approved for loans.
Prop 209 ballot measure language from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Proposition 211
Prop 211 would require additional disclosures and reporting for campaign contributions known as “dark money.”
Supporters argue that citizens should know who is trying to persuade their vote, while opponents say that the measure is an attempt to limit free speech.
Prop 211 ballot measure language from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Proposition 308
Prop 308 would allow Arizona high school graduates to receive in-state tuition and financial aid at public universities and community colleges regardless of their immigration status.
Supporters say it would make college more attainable for tens of thousands of undocumented students who grew up in Arizona. Opponents argue in-state tuition and state financial aid are benefits that should only be made available to students with a legal status.
Prop 308 ballot measure language from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Proposition 309
Prop 309 would require voters to include their birthdate and government-issued identification number with early ballots and make photo ID a requirement for in-person voting.
Supporters say it would increase election integrity and voter confidence, while opponents think the additional steps are unnecessary and burdensome and could lead to the exposure of personal information.
Prop 309 ballot measure language from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Proposition 310
Prop 310 would create a 0.1% statewide sales tax for the next 20 years to provide funding for state fire districts. A vast majority of the districts are in rural areas.
Proponents say the tax would be a small price to pay for better fire services, while opponents say it would be an unnecessary burden on taxpayers statewide.
Prop 310 ballot measure language from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
