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Spotlight on Voting Rights | Arizona Clean Elections

Spotlight on Voting Rights: Empowering Arizona Voters

August 6th marks a pivotal moment in American history, the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This landmark law broke down barriers at the ballot box and expanded access to voting for millions of Americans. Nearly six decades later, its legacy continues to shape elections across the country, including right here in Arizona.

At Arizona's Citizens Clean Elections Commission, we believe that understanding your voting rights is essential to participating confidently in the democratic process. That’s why we're shining a light on voting rights and the protections in place to support you.

What the Voting Rights Act Means for You

The Voting Rights Act was designed to protect against discrimination in voting. It outlawed literacy tests, established federal oversight in areas with a history of voter suppression, and ensured that states couldn’t make changes to voting laws without accountability. Its impact is still felt today in the way we promote accessibility and equity in Arizona elections.

In Arizona, you have the right to:

  • Vote without intimidation or discrimination
  • Access assistance in your preferred language
  • Request accommodations for disability access
  • Vote by mail or in person
  • Receive help from someone you trust when voting, if needed.

These rights apply to all eligible voters, whether it’s your first time voting or you’ve cast ballots for decades.

Protecting Access in Arizona

Arizona's Citizens Clean Elections Commission is committed to making sure every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard. We provide secure, nonpartisan resources to help you understand your options, find out what’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan that works for you.

We also work with community partners and election officials to support voter education, especially in underserved areas where language barriers, accessibility issues, or misinformation may create confusion.

Know Your Rights, Share Your Power

Understanding your voting rights is the first step, but it’s just the beginning. You can make a difference in your community by helping others get informed and ready to vote.

Here are a few ways to get involved locally:

  • Help a neighbor check their voter registration status
  • Volunteer with a local organization that promotes voting access
  • Share nonpartisan election resources, like this site, azcleanelections.gov, with friends and family
  • Talk to your community about the importance of voting, including in local elections, and how to make a plan
  • Offer rides to voting locations for those who need them

By working together and lifting each other up, we build a more inclusive and informed Arizona, where every voice is heard and every vote counts.

Your Voice Matters in Arizona

Celebrating the Voting Rights Act is more than remembering history; it’s about continuing the work to ensure every voice counts. By staying informed, speaking up, and casting your ballot, you help protect and strengthen democracy in Arizona.

Are you ready to learn more? Listen to Beyond the Ballot AZ, a podcast from Arizona's Citizens Clean Elections Commission that airs twice a month. The podcast explores the stories of legendary Arizonans, notable and sometimes controversial political events, and significant social movements that influence today's discussions in our state.

Let’s honor the past by showing up for the future, together.

August - 2025