PHOENIX – Last week, Arizona voters weighed in on ballot propositions and key offices that hold significant relevancy for civil liberties and rights in Arizona. Unofficial results from Arizona’s 15 counties show a vast rejection of propositions and candidates that threaten our communities and freedoms.
While voters stopped propositions that would have sabotaged early voting, hindered efforts to make our state more inclusive, and drained funding from public schools, it also brought devastating setbacks for transgender Arizonans and border communities.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arizona published its 2026 Ballot Proposition Guide earlier this year, explaining its positions on five of the eight measures voters faced this election cycle. The nonpartisan organization maintains concerns over passage of Proposition 317 and Proposition 318.
“Lawmakers showed they would rather villainize vulnerable groups than defend our rights when they sent bad policies to the ballot, and unfortunately, some of those measures passed.” said Victoria López, executive director for the ACLU of Arizona. “Proposition 317 will do nothing to make border communities safer, and risks labeling U.S. citizens and people seeking asylum as ‘terrorist organizations,’ Proposition 318 broadens an existing ban targeting trans student athletes to further ostracize kids who simply want to participate alongside their peers.”
In addition to deciding on propositions, voters elected to drastically change the makeup of the Arizona Legislature. As the leading civil rights organization in the state, the ACLU of Arizona plans to double-down on its efforts to advance its mission in this new political environment.
“We have an important opportunity to make our communities stronger and ensure Arizona is a state where all people can prosper, thrive, and live in liberation with dignity and freedom,” López continued. “The ACLU of Arizona is preparing to build on the momentum of last week’s election to defend and advance civil rights and liberties for all.”
Arizona county boards of supervisors have until November 19 to complete their canvas and report the results to the state. The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office will then conduct the statewide canvas by November 23 and certify the results. Arizona’s next legislative session will begin Monday, January 11, 2027.
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