See what some of your Legislative District Candidates think on the Important Issues of the Day

There are several ways to find out where your candidates for legislative district office stand on the issues.

The obvious first option would be to visit their website and see if they have taken policy positions on topics like education, health care, how to combat COVID 19, and helping children.

Another avenue would be to search sites like Blog for Arizona and Democrats of Greater Tucson to see if a candidate (for local, county, and state office) has been interviewed for a profile or given a zoom presentation.

The Arizona Center for Economic Progress and Arizona Children’s Action Alliance afforded Legislative District (LD) candidates another way to broadcast their views on policy issues by asking them to submit responses to short questionnaires.

The Center for Economic Progress posed questions related to:

• Combatting COVID 19.
• Tax Policy and budget priorities.
• Inclusiveness and equality for everyone.
• Opportunities for people to climb the economic ladder.

The Children’s Action Alliance focused their questions on:

• The preservation of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare.)
• Medicaid.
• Supporting the Invest in Education Ballot Initiative.
• Greater access to Pre K programs.
• Improving TANF (food stamp) programs for children.
• Views on Kinship Care.
• Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Reform.

In introducing the questionnaire for the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, David Lujan, the head of the organization wrote:

“The legislators we elect this November will make critical decisions shaping Arizona‘s economy as it emerges from the COVID-19 crisis. When they take office in January they will likely be facing a billion-dollar budget shortfall. During the Great Recession, the legislature made drastic cuts to public education, healthcare, and affordable housing while at the same time gave large tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. More than a decade later, and now in the midst of another economic downturn, Arizona has still not fully restored all of the harmful cuts from the last recession.”

“After 30 years of cuts to education, universities, housing, and more, going back to normal isn’t enough – we need lawmakers who will enable Arizona to emerge from this crisis ready to build the Arizona we all deserve. We need lawmakers who are ready to take on the effects of systemic racism and discrimination against communities of color and create a more racially equitable and inclusive economy so that all Arizonans can thrive.”

“We have invited all candidates for the legislature to complete our questionnaire and let us know where they stand on these important issues and share their plans. We hope this is a useful resource as you prepare to cast your vote. If a candidate for the legislature has not yet responded, we hope you will reach out and encourage them to respond.”

Siman Qaasim, the head of the Children’s Action Alliance, relayed similar themes as Mr. Lujan, writing:

“Elections have consequences. Perhaps, this year more than any other, this statement rings true. The legislators  we elect  this November will shape Arizona‘s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic downturn.  When they take office in January, legislators will have to contend with a budget shortfall currently projected at over $500 million for FY2021. They will also have the opportunity to make policy that addresses structural and systemic racism and pursue a path of racial justice for Arizona’s children.”

“Children’s Action Alliance is proud to provide non-partisan information to educate voters about children’s health, education, and security and to help you connect with the candidates who share your priorities. As an independent voice for Arizona children at the state capitol and in the community, CAA does not support or oppose candidates for public office. We have invited all candidates for the legislature to complete  our questionnaire and to let us know where they stand on these important  issues. We hope this is a useful resource as you prepare to  cast your  vote. As election day draws closer, make sure candidates know that children’s issues are a top priority for you!”

Please click here to see if your candidate filled out a questionnaire for the Arizona Center for Economic Progress.

Please click here to see if your candidate filled out a questionnaire for the Arizona Children’s Action Alliance.

Please remember that November 3, 2020, is 110 days away.

Make an informed choice on who you want to represent the district at the State Capitol next January.

Please remember:

• Primary Election Day is on August 4, 2020, and General Election Day is on November 3. 2020. Please see the below graphic for all-important voting dates. 
• Please check your voter registration at vote.
• Register/sign up for the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) in Arizona or any state that allows early or absentee balloting and mail. Arizona residents can sign up at vote. 
• Arizona residents, mail your General Election ballot by October 28, 2020, for the November 3, 2020 election.
• Check-in with the Secretary of State’s office where you live to verify your mail-in ballot was received, processed, verified, and counted.
• Know the voter ID requirements in your state.
• If you can, support Clean Election Candidates with a small contribution.
• Also, please remember to stay informed on all the candidates and vote for all the offices on the ballot.
• Also, remember to research all the ballot initiatives, sign to get them on the ballot if you support the measure, and vote on them as well.