Arizona Voters to Decide on Controversial Abortion and Immigration Measures

In Arizona, voters are gearing up to make crucial decisions on two contentious ballot measures: one addressing abortion rights and another focusing on immigration enforcement. These initiatives are set to shape the political landscape of this key battleground state in the upcoming election.

The abortion measure, known as Proposition 139, aims to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution. This citizen-led initiative has garnered substantial financial support, with the political action committee Arizona for Abortion Access raising nearly $23 million as of late July 2024. The measure comes in response to the revival and subsequent repeal of an 1864 law that banned nearly all abortions in the state earlier this year.

On the other side of the spectrum, Republican lawmakers have introduced a measure to empower state law enforcement to crack down on illegal immigration. This initiative, Proposition 314, would make it a state crime for non-citizens to illegally cross from Mexico into Arizona outside authorized ports of entry. It would also require state agencies to use a federal database to verify the eligibility of non-citizens for benefit programs.

Ben Toma, the Arizona state House Speaker, described the immigration measure as "common sense" and a small part of what needs to be done to secure the border. However, critics argue that the legislation could harm Arizona's reputation and economy, drawing comparisons to the controversial "show me your papers" law passed in 2010, which was partially struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2012.

The immigration measure has not seen significant financial backing, with Republican strategists suggesting that its perceived inevitability has led to a lack of campaigning efforts. Barrett Marson, a Phoenix-based Republican strategist, stated, "Voters will approve this more to send a message that something, anything, needs to be done."

"When you talk to a lot of people in law enforcement or in the business community or that deal with these sorts of issues on a day-to-day basis, this referendum is not the answer."

Arizona has a history of immigration-related ballot measures. In 2004, it became the only state to require proof of citizenship to register to vote. In 2006, voters passed a measure banning in-state tuition for non-citizens, though key parts were overturned in 2022 when Arizonans voted to make students eligible for state financial aid regardless of immigration status.

The upcoming ballot measures are expected to significantly impact voter turnout. The abortion initiative, in particular, is anticipated to draw young and first-time voters to the polls. This could have far-reaching consequences for control of the U.S. Senate, the White House, and the state Legislature, where Republicans currently hold a one-seat majority in each chamber.

As Arizona, the 48th state to join the Union, prepares for these crucial votes, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the state's policies and potentially influence national debates on abortion rights and immigration enforcement. With its 389-mile border with Mexico and diverse population, including 22 federally recognized Native American tribes, Arizona continues to be at the forefront of these contentious issues.