AMBIENTALISTX
messafge from Chispa Arizona Executive Director
Vianey Olivarría
We cannot have a healthy environment without a healthy democracy. The longterm health of our communities–our friends, families, homes, and environment–is linked with the health of our democracy. When we go out and vote, we are using the collective power of our people to create the change we want to see, especially when it comes to local elections.
This election season, voting is an opportunity for us to be heard, seen, and empowered about issues affecting our health, environment, and future generations.
In the following pages, we hope to equip you with the information you need to cast your vote in an easy and accessible way. You will read about Nicole Morales’ work in making sure eligible voters exercise their right to vote even though she herself does not have that right. You’ll find out what is the role of the Arizona Corporation Commission in our everyday lives and why voting for state and local judges is so important. Lastly, we’ll share ways you can stay engaged politically beyond Election Day, because voting is just one part of our broader civic responsibilities.
At Chispa Arizona, we envision communities that enjoy clean air and water, open spaces and parks and the security of knowing that our planet can sustain us today and for future generations; a democracy in which all people have the opportunity to choose who will represent them, and those representatives are accountable to everyone they serve; and a strong and powerful environmental movement that reflects the priorities and leadership of Latine communities, low-income families and communities of color.
We hope that together we work towards that vision!
In Solidarity,
Vianey Olivarría Executive Director Chispa Arizona
THINGS YOU MUST DO TO MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS
Check your voter registration status ASAP!
If you’re not registered to vote, register by 11:59 p.m. on October 7
Sign up to get text and email notifications about your ballot
Find your polling place! On page 8 we tell you how.
VOTE ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 5!
Pro Tip: If you vote by mail, don’t wait until the last minute to return your ballot!
WHAT DOES THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION DO?
If you’ve ever wondered how your electricity stays on or how businesses are started in Arizona, you might be surprised to learn that the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is behind it all! Think of the ACC as the referee in the game of Arizona’s economy; an entity that should make sure everything runs smoothly and fairly for everyone involved.
First off, let’s talk utilities. The ACC regulates public utilities like electricity, water, and gas. When it comes to your monthly bills, the ACC must ensure you’re not getting overcharged and that the services you depend on are reliable. They should also encourage the use of renewable energy—like solar power—so you can help Madre Tierra while keeping your lights on. With Arizona’s endless sunshine, we’re in a prime position to make renewable energy a big deal!
But the ACC doesn’t just stop at utilities; they’re also in charge of businesses in the state. Want to start your own company? You’ll need to get it registered with the ACC. They oversee all kinds of businesses, from small startups to big corporations, making sure they’re following the rules. This should create a solid environment for entrepreneurs to thrive and innovate.
So, the next time you flip on a light switch or dream of starting your own business, remember that the Arizona Corporation Commission should be working behind the scenes to keep things fair and sustainable. They're not just a bunch of suits; they’re crucial to shaping Arizona’s future and supporting a vibrant economy for all of us!
Why are we telling you this in an elections edition of Ambientalistx? Because the ACC will be on your ballot this November. Make sure you vote in this important race!
IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES
VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE
BEGINNING OF IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING
LAST DAY TO SIGN UP TO VOTE BY MAIL
Pro Tip: Don’t wait, scan the QR code to sign up today!
LAST DAY TO PUT YOUR BALLOT IN THE MAIL
Pro Tip: Don’t wait! Put it in the mail before this date if possible. If you miss the deadline, drop it off in person at a polling place by Friday, November 1.
LAST DAY OF EARLY VOTING ELECTION DAY OCT. 7
9 OCT. 25 OCT. 29 NOV. 1 NOV. 5
VOTING
An electric bus on our road to change, not our final destination
Voting is often seen as the ultimate expression of democracy—our chance to make our voice heard and shape the future. We’re passionate about issues like climate change, social justice, and education, and voting is a powerful way to push for the changes we want to see. But voting isn’t the finish line; it’s just the beginning of a much bigger journey.
With all the noise, rallies and bike rides to the polls, elections can feel like the climax of political engagement, but once the polls close and the votes are counted, we have other civic duties. We need to hold our elected leaders accountable for the promises they made on the campaign trail. That’s when we step up and make sure they’re delivering on those promises and acting in our best interests.
So, what does that look like? Start by staying engaged in your community.
Attend town hall meetings, reach out to your representatives, and let them know your concerns.
Use social media; it’s a great tool for demanding transparency and accountability from those in office and elected leaders kind of have to pay attention because they don’t want to seem unresponsive.
Share your thoughts, start conversations, and keep the pressure on!
Join grassroots movements and local organizations like Chispa Arizona to amplify your voice.
Join forces with others who share your passions and push for the changes you want to see in your community.
Remember, voting is just a vehicle to get us started; the electric bus on our road to change. To truly make a difference, we have to stay engaged and proactive long after the ballots have been cast. Your voice matters—use it to shape a future that reflects your values!
A Q&A With Nicole Morales, Democracy Director for Chispa Arizona
How did you get involved in the work of protecting our democracy?
I am a proud DREAMER! I’m an immigrant daughter, whose dream was pursuing a higher education. Yet sitting in my high school AP classes I was often reminded of all the barriers and lack of opportunities I had in comparison to my classmates when it came to going to college. All because of decisions made by elected officials who never had voices like mine at the table. My first involvement in democracy “work” started at home. I made sure my cousins and friends who were eligible to vote knew about my story and their power as a voter. Fast forward to now, not only do I encourage others to vote and help people become registered voters, I also work on protecting their right to an accessible ballot. I hope one day every voice is included in our electoral process.
A: What is the project or achievement you’re most proud of in your years of work?
N: I am proud of so many! Working in the democracy space can be very hard but also very rewarding. Being a part of the Chispa AZ family has allowed me to register thousands of voters across the state. It’s definitely an amazing feeling when I get text messages from family and friends I have registered as voters over the years letting me know their ballots are sent or they visited the polls. Knowing their voices are being heard makes me very proud.
A: You yourself can’t vote in U.S. elections, why is it important for you that others do?
N: First and foremost, my community’s vote is my voice. Tu voto, es mi voz. It is my voice and the voice of others like me. It is the voice of those disenfranchised and kept from having their own voices at that table. It is also the voice of future generations…of our youth that are not old enough to protect their own futures through a ballot.
A: What do you have to say to those who may be undecided about voting in this election?
N: Every election is important and every vote matters, especially when it comes to local races. In a lot of ways, our communities’ ability to thrive and not just survive is decided at the polls. So we need corazón y alma at the polls. We need YOUR voice at the decision making table this November. Let’s protect our democracy, our people and our pacha mama.
Whether you’re voting by mail or in person, here is where you need to go to find your polling place. You’ll be able to find where to drop off your early ballots and where to vote on November 5.
If you live in Maricopa County, visit locations.Maricopa.vote or scan this QR code.
If you live in Pima County, visit Pima.vote or scan this QR code.
If you live anywhere else in the state, visit the Secretary of State’s voter information portal, put in your address and you’ll get your polling place!
Why Your Vote Matters for State and Local Judges
When it comes to elections, many of us focus on the big names at the top of the ballot—presidential candidates, senators, and governors. However, one of the most impactful votes you can cast is for state and local judges, a choice that often flies under the radar. Here’s why your vote for judges is crucial.
First, judges have a significant influence on your daily life, making decisions that affect everything from education policies to criminal justice reform. They interpret laws, set precedents, and ensure that your rights are protected. For example, local judges can decide cases related to juvenile justice, housing disputes, and community issues, all of which directly impact our communities and future.
Second, state judges oversee the implementation of laws that can shape the political landscape. If you care about issues like voting rights, environmental regulations, or healthcare access, the judges you vote for can play a pivotal role in how these laws are interpreted and enforced. Their rulings can either support or undermine progress on the issues you care about.
Additionally, state and local judicial elections often experience lower voter turnout compared to national elections. This means your vote carries more weight in these races. Every ballot counts, and when we engage in these
ELECTION PROTECTION HOTLINES
If you have any problems voting, call any of the Election Protection Hotlines and they’ll help you out!
English
866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
Spanish
888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
Arabic
844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
Asian Languages
888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
Voters with disabilities 602-275-6287
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT ID TO CAST YOUR BALLOT! WHAT TYPE OF I.D. DO I NEED?
YOU ONLY NEED ONE YOU NEED TWO YOU NEED TWO
Photo ID that includes name and address such as...
A non-expired Arizona Drivers License
A non-expired Arizona identification card
A Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification
A non-expired United States federal, state, or local government- issued identification
IDs that have name and address, but no photo such as...
Utility bill from within the last 90 days
Bank statement from within 90 days
Valid Arizona Vehicle Registration
Indian census card
Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification
Arizona vehicle insurance card
Any mailing to the elector from the county recorder or marked "Official Election Material"
A mix and match of IDs from the other categories such as...
Any non-expired photo ID from List 1 with the wrong address along with a non-photo ID from List 2 with the correct address
A U.S. Passport and one item from List 2
A U.S. Military identification without address and one item from List 2