Arizona Voters Decide on 13 Key Ballot Measures in 2024 General Election

Arizona voters are facing a significant number of ballot measures in the 2024 general election, with 13 state propositions that address a wide range of issues including abortion, immigration, judicial accountability, and election reform.

One of the most contentious measures is Proposition 139, which aims to codify abortion rights in the Arizona state constitution. If approved, this measure would establish the right to abortion up until the point of fetal viability, approximately 24 weeks into a pregnancy, and allow state interference only if it is backed by a compelling state interest to enhance or safeguard the health of the person seeking abortion services.

Proposition 314, known as the Secure the Border Act, is another highly debated measure. It would make it a state crime to enter the country illegally, allow state and local police to arrest noncitizens for this crime, and permit state judges to order such defendants expelled from the United States. Additionally, it would criminalize submitting false documents for employment eligibility or government aid and make it a Class 2 felony to knowingly sell fentanyl that results in a death.

Several propositions focus on election reform. Proposition 133 seeks to change the state’s constitution regarding primary elections, allowing each political party to nominate a number of candidates equal to the number of positions to be filled and banning cities and towns from having different direct primary systems. Proposition 140, the Make Elections Fair Arizona Act, proposes to replace traditional party primaries with ranked-choice voting, where all qualified candidates would be on the same primary ballot regardless of their political affiliation.

Proposition 137, the Judicial Accountability Act, would revise the state constitution to allow judges appointed via the merit selection process to serve until the age of 70 without automatic retention votes. It would also expand the Judicial Performance Review Commission and mandate investigations into allegations of judicial malfeasance upon request from state legislators.

Other notable measures include Proposition 138, which would allow employers to pay tipped workers 25% less per hour as long as they earn at least minimum wage plus $2 per hour; Proposition 311, which would establish a $250,000 state death benefit for families of first responders killed in the line of duty; and Proposition 313, which would increase penalties for child sex trafficking up to life imprisonment.