AMBIENTALISTX
CHISPA AZ HAS BEEN VOTANDO Y PLANTANDO FOR A DECADE YOUR VIRGO FRIEND CAN’T DO EVERYTHING: THE 2026 VOTER CHECKLIST FOR GETTING YOUR LIFE TOGETHER BEFORE ELECTION DAY THE EARLY VOTING LIST IS NO LONGER PERMANENT, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
LETTER FROM CHISPA ARIZONA'S EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Every election year carries weight, but this moment feels especially significant. Across our communities, we are witnessing glaring attacks on the systems and institutions that make our voices matter. At the same time, we are seeing people refusing to sit on the sidelines. People are organizing, speaking up, and showing up for one another. In 2026, our vote is more than a civic duty. It is our resistance.
Voting is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect our communities, defend our democracy, and shape the future we want for ourselves and future generations. Every ballot cast is a declaration that our voices count, that our families deserve representation, and that our communities deserve clean air, clean water, healthy neighborhoods, and leaders who are accountable to the people they serve.
That is why we created this magazine: to put everything you need to participate in this year’s elections in one place. Inside, you'll find important election dates, a guide to navigating Arizona’s primary elections, a practical voter
checklist to help you prepare before Election Day, and critical information about changes to the Active Early Voting List. We also provide resources to help you find your nearest voting location, understand voter ID requirements, and make a plan to cast your ballot with confidence.
You'll also learn about Chispa AZ’s decade-long commitment to civic engagement, and meet the artist behind this year’s inspiring cover. We are proud to include artwork and resources that celebrate our culture, our families, and the power of collective action.
Democracy is strongest when all of us participate. Thank you for being part of this movement and for taking the time to stay informed, engaged, and ready to vote.
Together, we can protect our democracy, strengthen our communities, and build a more just future.
In Solidarity,
VIANEY OLIVARRÍA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Chispa Arizona
PRIMARY ELECTIONS: KNOW THE RULES AND PLAY THE GAME RIGHT!
To win at democracy, we need to know the rules and play the game like Cape Verde in this year's World Cup. Civic engagement isn't just voting for president; it's showing up at every step of the electoral process (and beyond). In mundialista terms, when your team doesn't show, that's a walkover, forfeiting without playing. When our democracy is literally at stake, we can’t afford to concede.
Before November, political parties pick their team captain through Primary Elections. November’s General Election is the final
match. In Arizona's semi-closed primary system, registered Democrats and Republicans get their respective ballots. No crossovers.
Independents can choose which party’s primary to participate in, but they have to request that party’s ballot.
Independents who vote with an early ballot, if you want to play the primary game, do it in person, ‘cuz you already missed the deadline to request a party ballot.
We currently have two predominant teams: The Jack Asses and the Elephants. And let’s be real, both teams suck! They have crappy captains that are putting sponsors (corporations) before patrons (the people). This is why Primary Elections are so important. They are our opportunity to pick the best possible jock to lead each team in the final match in November.
And there is another, less-talkedabout reason why we should vote in the Primaries. In districts drawn to favor one political party, whoever wins that party's Primary takes the seat. If you sit it out, you hand your vote to whoever plays, and those who always show are old, pale, and punctual. Not shade, just math.
This year’s Primary Election is taking place on July 21. Look at the page to your right for important election dates so you don’t miss any!
REGISTER TO VOTE TODAY!
PRIMARY ELECTION
June 22
June 24
July 10
Last day to register to vote in the Primary Election
Early ballots are mailed, and in-person early voting begins
Last day to sign up for an early ballot
PRO TIP: DON’T WAIT, SIGN UP TODAY!
July 14
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 your nearest polling place.
July 21
ELECTION DAY!
GENERAL ELECTION
October 5
October 7
October 23
October 27
Last day to register to vote in the General Election
Early ballots are mailed and in-person early voting begins
Last day to sign up for an early ballot
Last day to put your ballot in the mail
November 3 ELECTION DAY!
YOUR VIRGO FRIEND CAN’T DO
EVERYTHING:
THE 2026 VOTER CHECKLIST FOR GETTING YOUR LIFE TOGETHER BEFORE ELECTION DAY
CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS ASAP! IF YOU’RE NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE, REGISTER TODAY!
SIGN UP TO GET TEXT AND EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT THE STATUS OF YOUR BALLOT.
FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE! On page 8 we tell you how.
MAKE A PLAN TO CAST YOUR VOTE!
When will you fill out your early ballot?
When will you put your ballot in the mail?
What’s your nearest voting center?
What time will you vote on Election Day?
THE EARLY VOTING LIST
IS NO LONGER PERMANENT, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Even though almost 90 percent of AZ voters cast an early ballot in 2020, in 2021 the Arizona Legislature passed Senate Bill 1485, turning the long-standing Permanent Early Voting List into the Active Early Voting List (AEVL).
Here are 7 things you need to know about Arizona’s AEVL.
1. If you don’t use it, you lose it.
You may be removed from the AEVL if you don’t participate in two consecutive election cycles, whether federal or municipal.
2. They can't boot you out if you skip just one election cycle.
The removal process starts if you don’t use an early ballot over two election cycles IN A ROW. These elections include federal elections and local, city or town elections. If you return even one early ballot during two consecutive election cycles, you stay on the list.
3. Before removing you from the AEVL, officials must notify you.
You’ll have 90 days to respond to the county recorder confirming you want to stay on the list.
4. As of 2026, no one has been removed from the list.
The first notices for people who did not return an early ballot in the 2024 and 2026 elections must be sent by January 2027. To avoid any issues, make sure you vote this year!
5. If you’re dropped from the AEVL, you can re-enroll.
You can do it at servicearizona.com under voter registration.
6. If you’re removed from the list, you’re still a registered voter!
You just won’t get an early ballot in the mail unless you request one for a specific election or re-enroll in the AEVL.
7. You can register for the AEVL at servicearizona.com.
At servicearizona.com you can register to vote and update your voter registration information. As you do that, you get the option to join the AEVL.
CHISPA AZ HAS
BEEN VOTANDO Y PLANTANDO FOR A DECADE
Chispa Arizona has a robust civic engagement program that we call Votando y Plantando (Voting and Planting). Here is what it entails and how you can plug in!
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Every year, Chispa Arizona holds a summer youth leadership program in Maricopa, Pima, and Yuma Counties: Plantando Semillas. This 7-week program develops a new generation of environmental leaders trained in environmental issues that impact our state, what it takes to organize our communities to create change, and how to become powerful public speakers to advocate for the things that matter to them.
NONPARTISAN VOTER REGISTRATION AND GET OUT THE VOTE EFFORTS (GOTV)
In the last 10 years, Chispa Arizona has registered more than 100,000 voters across the state. We have also partnered with national efforts like Poderistas, co-founded by America Ferrera, and Vote Like a Madre, a campaign of Latino Victory Project, co-founded by Eva Longoria, to empower Latinas to use the power of their vote. Do you or someone you know need to register to vote? We got
VOTER PROTECTION
Every eligible voter should be able to vote easily and confidently, but we know that confusing voting rules, misinformation, and needless obstacles sometimes get in the way. That’s why on Election Days, Chispa Arizona staff set up shop outside different polling locations as trained, nonpartisan Election Protection volunteers to help people navigate the voting process. Whether it’s somebody’s first time voting or someone is turned away from their polling place, we help troubleshoot any issues to make sure they’re able to exercise their right to vote. Do you want to be an Election Protection Volunteer with us? Scan the QR code!
NEAREST VOTING SPOT!
If you live in Maricopa County, visit locations.maricopa.vote or scan this QR code. locations.maricopa.vote
If you live in Pima County, visit pima.vote or scan this QR code. pima.vote
If you live anywhere else in the state, visit the Secretary of State’s voter information portal at my.arizona.vote, click on “Find your polling location,” put in your address and you’ll get your polling place! my.arizona.vote
WHAT TYPE ID DO YOU NEED TO CAST YOUR VOTE? OF
If you don't have a photo ID or your ID doesn't have your current address, you can still cast your vote! See the tables for alternatives.
YOU ONLY NEED ONE OF THESE! ID that includes your photo, 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
YOU CAN USE TWO OF THESE!
If you don’t have a photo ID, you can present two IDs that have your name and address, such as:
• A utility bill from within the last 90 days
• A bank statement from within 90 days
• Valid Arizona Vehicle Registration
• Indian census card
• A Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification
• A property tax statement
• Arizona vehicle insurance card
• A non-expired United States federal, state, or local government-issued identification
• Voter Registration Card/Recorder’s Certification
• Any “Official Election Material” mailing from your County Recorder with your name and address
YOU CAN USE TWO OF THESE!
If your photo ID has no address or the wrong address, you can present a mix & match, such as:
• A non-expired photo ID from List 1 with the wrong address along with a nonphoto 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
Q&A WITH DARIAN CRUZ, THE ARTIST BEHIND
OUR COVER
Ambientalistx [A] How would you describe your practice?
Darian [D] It’s a colorful, inviting space meant to reconnect people to their roots.
[A] What moves you as an artist, what inspires you?
[D] My family and my upbringing as an undocumented youth in the country are the reasons why I create. I have a six-word memoir that influences a lot of the decisions I make: Never forget where you come from—and this also translates to my art. I’m a Mexican immigrant, I was born in Sonora, my culture is vibrant, and I wouldn’t be here without my parents. None of this was ever meant to be hidden; it’s my source of pride and inspiration.
[D] As I was sketching different versions of what the illustration could be, I started to think thoroughly about the meaning behind the name of the campaign, and the word that stood out to me the most was madre which is what ultimately inspired the entire illustration. I wanted mother earth to be the focal point, but also wanted to represent indigenous women who for years have protected ancestral lands, and are driving climate resilience and policy changes. So I thought: If I bring these two together, what would this powerful woman look like in my illustration style? Which explains the tattoos on her arm, the big jewelry and traditional Mexican attire.
[A] What did you like the most about the piece?
[A] What motivated you to collaborate with Chispa AZ?
[D] I wanted to give my work purpose and use it to support an organization whose values align with mine. Art is a very personal practice, and to me, it mirrors who I am and the movements I stand by. I don’t ever call myself an artist, but if I am collaborating with an organization that is going to use my art in any type of way, I always make sure it’s going to be one that understands my community the same way I do. And Chispa AZ is that.
[A] What was the inspiration behind the piece you created for the Vota Por Tu Madre campaign?
[D] I love drawing tattoos on characters, and incorporating plants native to the Sonoran Desert, and the color palette I was working with made my job so much easier. Creating this piece felt like I was weaving pieces of my identity into an illustration that captures an ongoing movement to empower people to act on their voting power.
[A] What do you think is the role of art, especially in politically charged times like these?
[D] I turned to art at a very young age to express a lot of things that I couldn’t vocalize. I think art, no matter what form it comes in, has the power to push movements forward and create them as well. Art can be an act of resistance, love and justice, especially when you’re using it to serve others.
