Guests – Rep. Alex Kolodin, Cheryl Caswell, Betsy Smith
Election Integrity in Arizona: A Conversation with Representative Alex Kolodin
Representative Alex Kolodin of Arizona's third district emphasizes the critical need for election reform in Arizona, pointing to Florida's successful model as a blueprint. The key difference? Florida requires voters to confirm their addresses every election cycle before receiving mail-in ballots.
"It's very common in Arizona to get somebody else's ballot in your mailbox," Kolodin explains. "Maybe somebody who hasn't lived in your home for 10 years." Florida tackled this issue head-on with address verification, leading to more efficient ballot counting and fewer complications on election day.
This streamlined approach allows Florida to count most ballots by election night, avoiding the delayed results that plague Arizona's system. Kolodin notes that Florida also prohibits walk-in mail-in ballots on election day, further expediting the counting process.
Currently, two bills are moving through the Arizona legislature to address these issues:
HB2703, which awaits Governor Katie Hobbs' signature
HCR2013, a backup measure that would put the question directly to voters
"We have all the leverage here because we know that the people are with us," Kolodin states, citing polling data showing strong public support for Florida-style election reforms.
Law Enforcement Challenges and Federal Solutions
The conversation shifts to law enforcement with Betsy Smith from the National Police Association, highlighting concerning trends in officer safety. Already in 2024, eight officers have died in the line of duty, including:
Sergeant Mark Butler in Texas, killed in a head-on collision
A Russell Georgia police officer
A Las Vegas police officer
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Mayland
Smith emphasizes the need for federal intervention through the Protect and Serve Act (H.R. 743), which would increase penalties for criminals who attack law enforcement officers. With officer ambushes up 150% and over 1,100 officers shot in the last three years, the legislation aims to make such attacks federal crimes with severe consequences.
Proposition 414: Tucson's Tax Debate
The discussion concludes with a detailed examination of Tucson's Proposition 414, a proposed half-cent sales tax increase that would generate $800 million over 10 years. Cheryl Caswell from Turning Point Action raises concerns about the measure's impact on local businesses and the lack of guaranteed allocation for public safety funding.
The proposition would raise Tucson's sales tax rate to 9.2%, making it the highest in Arizona. While proponents claim $526 million would go toward public safety, critics argue there's no binding requirement for this allocation.
Caswell's organization is hosting community events to educate voters:
Oregano's Pizza at 4884 South Landing Way (Ward 1)
New York Pizza at 8771 East Broadway Boulevard (Ward 2)
Sauce Pizza at 2990 North Campbell Avenue
Key dates for voters:
Ballots mailed: February 12
Last day to mail ballots: March 5
Election Day: March 11
Both Smith and Caswell emphasize that opposition to the measure crosses political lines, focusing on fiscal responsibility rather than partisan politics. They argue that Tucson's current leadership needs to demonstrate better stewardship of existing funds before asking voters for additional tax revenue.oversy in Cochise County Reveals Flaws in Election Process
A legal battle over a jail tax election in Cochise County has exposed serious concerns about voter disenfranchisement and election integrity, with implications for upcoming tax initiatives across Arizona. Attorney Charles Johnson represents four plaintiffs challenging the validity of a jail district tax election where over 11,000 voters were not mailed ballots in what was designated as an all-mail election.
Election Process and Legal Challenges
The controversial election was conducted exclusively through mail-in ballots, with no polling places or drop-off centers available. According to Johnson, two of the three Cochise County supervisors approved this format, stating on record that an all-mail ballot election was necessary to pass the tax measure.
The legal challenge centers on several key issues:
Disenfranchisement of "inactive" voters who were not mailed ballots
Whether the measure required a 60% supermajority as a tax initiative
The absence of required petition signatures
Questions about proper election procedures
Division 2 of the Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled that all registered voters must be mailed ballots regardless of "inactive" status. This ruling contradicts the county's practice of labeling voters as inactive based solely on returned undeliverable mail.
Financial Impact and Implementation Concerns
Since its passage, the jail tax has generated over $8 million in revenue. However, only approximately $400,000 has been spent on jail system planning, despite campaign promises focusing heavily on building a new jail facility. The majority of funds have instead gone to current jail operations.
The tax was promoted to voters as costing only $67 per year, but this figure was calculated by dividing the total cost across every man, woman, and child in Cochise County, potentially misleading voters about the actual per-household impact.
Current Legal Status
The case has reached the Arizona Supreme Court, where several developments have occurred:
Cochise County defendants have withdrawn their petition for review
The Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Cochise County Sheriff are attempting to intervene
Maricopa County has filed an amicus brief supporting Cochise County's position on inactive voters
Implications for Future Elections
As similar tax initiatives emerge in other jurisdictions, including Tucson's upcoming Proposition 414, the Cochise County case serves as a cautionary tale. Johnson emphasizes the importance of:
Voters checking their registration status
Ensuring accurate voter rolls
Maintaining polling place options alongside mail-in voting
Clear communication about tax implications
Proper oversight of collected funds
The controversy highlights broader concerns about election integrity, voter access, and the implementation of tax initiatives in Arizona's local governments.
Child Safety in Schools: A Critical Examination
Chandler Unified School District Case Study
An investigation into the Chandler Unified School District has resulted in recommended disciplinary action for five current and former employees regarding their handling of student complaints about inappropriate teacher behavior. The Arizona State Board of Education's Professional Practices Advisory Committee made these recommendations following a four-day hearing, highlighting systemic failures in protecting student safety.
Mandatory Reporting Requirements
Under Arizona law (ARS 13-3620), school personnel are mandatory reporters required to report all concerns of child abuse or neglect. However, the recent case revealed gaps in implementation:
Internal investigations were insufficient
Law enforcement wasn't properly engaged
School board wasn't properly informed
State board wasn't notified
Proper documentation was lacking
Aaron's Law Initiative
Senate Bill 1528, known as Aaron's Law, is scheduled for hearing before the Arizona Senate. The legislation, already passed in 38 other states, would require:
Education for students on safe/unsafe touch
Training on bullying intervention
Internet safety awareness
Comprehensive educator training on child abuse prevention
Clear protocols for reporting and responding to concerns
Katie McPherson, an educator and advocate, emphasizes the importance of this legislation in establishing clear boundaries and expectations for all parties involved in the education system.
Systemic Changes Needed
The discussion revealed several critical areas requiring attention:
Leadership Accountability
School board oversight
Administrative responsibility
Clear reporting protocols
Training and Education
Recognition of grooming behaviors
Proper response procedures
Regular updates and refresher courses
Student Support
Clear reporting channels
Mental health resources
Protection from retaliation
Parent Resources
Understanding warning signs
Knowing proper reporting procedures
Accessing support services
Moving Forward
The experts emphasize that protecting students requires a multi-faceted approach:
Regular training for all school personnel
Clear protocols for reporting concerns
Support systems for affected students
Transparency in handling incidents
Accountability for administrative responses
These measures aim to create an environment where students can focus on learning without concerns about their safety and well-being in educational settings.