ACLU of Arizona Reacts to Anti- Civil Rights Measures Referred to the 2026 Ballot

PHOENIX — Before concluding the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers rushed to advance HCR 2001, HCR 2003, and HCR 2044, sending dangerous measures that threaten democracy and freedom to the 2026 ballot for voter consideration.

HCR 2001 repackages existing law as new policy. It would force voters to resubmit proof of identification every time they vote in an election, including when voting by mail. The referral would also give the legislature unchecked power to end voting by mail completely and impose other restrictions down the line.

“Arizona’s strength in elections comes from giving eligible voters ample opportunity to cast their vote. Mail-in ballots, Election Day drop-offs, and early voting are essential parts of that equation,” said Katelynn Contreras, policy strategist for the ACLU of Arizona. “Arizonans have a track record of rejecting propositions that undermine fair access to the ballot. This is another senseless attempt by lawmakers to urge people to vote against their own best interests.”

HCR 2003 takes Arizona’s existing ban on trans youth athletes in public school sports and extends it to force private schools and sports clubs to comply as well. The measure also denies trans students the ability to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity.

“Trans youth deserve the same opportunities, experiences, rights, and protections as every other student. Yet Arizona lawmakers continue to play cruel political games with the health, safety, and lives of Arizona children,” said Darrell Hill, policy director for the ACLU of Arizona. “Schools should be places where kids and teens feel safe to learn, grow, and develop a sense of community. Arizona voters must reject the government-enforced discrimination that HCR 2003 invites.”

HCR 2044 prohibits academic freedom in our colleges and universities, violating the First Amendment rights of students, teachers, and administrators. HCR 2044 targets specific viewpoints on race, sex and discrimination for censorship, prohibiting their assignment or discussion at universities.

“Ideas are not illegal, and there is no 'government-approved' speech exception to the First Amendment,” said Darrell Hill, policy director for the ACLU of Arizona. “The state cannot adopt a policy or rule that punishes faculty, administrators, or students for expressing their beliefs or prohibits wide scopes of ideas from being debated at universities.”

HCR 2001, HCR 2003, and HCR 2044 are three of ten ballot referrals that will be sent to voters during the 2026 election. The ACLU of Arizona strongly condemns the legislature’s abuse of the ballot referral process to push an agenda that undermines the rights and liberties of Arizonans.