Episode 1 - Beyond The Ballot AZ: Year-Round Civic Engagement

Civic participation in Arizona is bigger than voting in an election. Decisions that affect daily life, transportation, public safety, education, housing, water, and how our voting systems function are happening throughout the year. Understanding how these decisions are made is one of the strongest ways to stay involved in your community.

The first episode of Beyond the Ballot AZ, a podcast from the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission, highlights this idea through the story of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. His long career in public service shows how leadership, collaboration, and community involvement shape Arizona’s future, as he did before his passing in March of 2025.

A Spotlight on Leadership in Arizona

Season 1, Episode 1 explores Raúl Grijalva’s impact on Arizona from his early work in education to his decades of service on the county board and in Congress. Guest Tom Volgy, former mayor of Tucson, reflects on that legacy and shares how Grijalva worked to bridge communities, navigate complex issues, and stay focused on helping people.

His well-known approach, “No permanent friends. No permanent enemies,” helped him move difficult issues forward even when opinions differed. That lesson still applies to how Arizonans engage with civic life today.

Civic Engagement Beyond Election Season

Being civically engaged in Arizona includes many everyday actions that help residents stay informed and confident about their role in the process. These actions include:

• Learning how decisions are made at the local, county, and state levels.
• Using trusted resources to follow upcoming elections and key dates.
• Staying updated on community issues and public meetings.
• Keeping voter registration information accurate.
• Understanding ballot options and voting methods.

The episode also outlines important dates for the Congressional District 7 special election, including early voting, mail voting, and Election Day options.

How Clean Elections Helps Arizona Voters Stay Informed

The Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission is a nonpartisan source for clear, accessible election information. The tools available on azcleanelections.gov are designed to help both new and experienced voters:

• Voter Dashboard: check your registration, find your voting location, and view upcoming elections.
• Candidate Information: learn about who’s running in upcoming elections.
• Debates: watch Clean Elections debates as part of making an informed plan.
• Voter Education Guide: understand how to vote early, by mail, or in person.
• Election Timeline: track important dates and deadlines.
• Voter Education Resources: get plain-language explainers on processes and Arizona civic topics.

All tools follow Clean Elections’ commitment to clarity, neutrality, and Empowering Arizonans to take part confidently.

Why this Podcast Matters for Arizona?

Beyond The Ballot AZ is designed to make civic learning simple. Each episode is under ten minutes and breaks down stories that help listeners understand how Arizona's political history, public policy, and civic systems fit together.

Episode 1 sets a foundation by connecting Arizona’s history to current events and showing how civic leadership, whether local or statewide, continues to shape the places we live. Listeners can follow the show on their preferred podcast platform to stay updated as new episodes release.

Civic engagement is a year-round effort. Whether you’re new to Arizona or already familiar with the election process, Clean Elections offers tools to help you stay informed and involved. Your participation strengthens Arizona every day, not just on Election Day.

Stay Informed. Stay Engaged. Stay Involved.

Civic engagement in Arizona is ongoing, and every resident plays a role in shaping what comes next. Whether you’re new to the state, newly eligible to vote, or already familiar with the process, having reliable information makes it easier to stay involved. Clean Elections provides clear, accessible tools to help you keep up with elections, understand local issues, and make informed decisions throughout the year.

Episode 1 of Beyond the Ballot AZ reminds us that Arizona’s civic story unfolds every day, from special elections to community discussions that influence the future of our neighborhoods. Staying informed is the first step, and you can follow new episodes on your favorite podcast platform to keep learning.

Your voice matters year-round, and Clean Elections is here to help you use it.

February - 2026