Arizona's Clean Elections system is like the Grand Canyon or the smell of creosote after a monsoon rain - it's distinctly Arizonan and a source of pride. 

Last night saw a big win for local democracy, as the Tempe City Council unanimously voted to expose secretive political money in local elections! 

If you’ve driven just about anywhere in Arizona over the last few weeks, you’ve probably noticed streets adorned with campaign signage. You may be among the many drivers left scratching their heads and wondering, “An election? In an odd-numbered year?” 

Following a months-long deliberative process, on May 31st the city of Peoria unveiled its new district map to be used in the August/November 2018 city council elections.

Arizona’s Clean Elections system provides candidates for state office a way to raise campaign funds without relying on wealthy donors or lobbyists. Overseeing this system is the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, a bipartisan body of non-politicians created by the original Clean Elections initiative in 1998. The Commission’s enforcement process is one befitting a body responsible for public funds, as is illustrated by the case of former state Representative Jesus Rubalcava, who recently resigned his office amidst an enforcement action against him. 

Last week, President Trump decided to end the DACA program that has enabled 800,000 young people to grow and thrive. So much news has happened in the intervening days that the struggle of those brave young people and allies risks getting lost in the "news cycle." 

The Pence-Kobach commission is getting back together in New Hampshire this Tuesday. 

By Sam Wercinski, Executive Director

By Kolby Granville, Tempe City Council Member

By Jon Schwarz, Unofficial Sources