2024 Arizona Voters' Agenda
Every election cycle, Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) conducts public opinion surveys of Republican, Democratic, and independent/unaffiliated likely voters to explore their perspectives on the election and issues facing the state. The Voters' Agenda focuses on what the vast majority of voters care about.
ISSUES WHERE THE MAJORITY OF VOTERS AGREE
The Arizona Voters’ Agenda consists of specific policy items and value statements on which the majority of voters across political affiliations and generations agree. This means that the items on the following Voters’ Agenda are not single-partisan issues. This is where most likely voters agree.
See the survey methodology and how we define consensus to determine the issues that make it onto this action oriented roadmap.
ELECTIONS ISSUES New Data
Policy Items
New Regardless of party affiliation, all voters - Democrat, Republican, independent, non-affiliated, or others registered - should have equal access to voting.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support |
| 87% | 96% | 94% | 96% | 98% | 98% | 95% | 99% | 96% | 93% |
New Our partisan primary system rewards the most extreme candidates who then need to keep their narrow base of primary voters satisfied while they are in office so they can get reelected. We need to make changes to our primary system so we elect leaders who represent more than just a small segment of voters.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 51% | 77% | 71% | 81% | 82% | 82% | 89% | 74% | 73% | 74% |
WATER & ENVIRONMENT New Data
Policy Items
New Groundwater is essential for communities, farming, industry, and Arizona’s way of life. We need to do more to protect our groundwater and secure our long-term water supplies.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support |
| 77% | 93% | 89% | 94% | 98% | 95% | 98% | 91% | 93% | 92% |
New Arizona uses active management of state lands, including controlled burns, to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Active management of forest land is important and should continue.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 72% | 92% | 90% | 93% | 95% | 93% | 94% | 97% | 88% | 92% |
EDUCATION New Data
Policy Items
Ensuring teachers are trained in the most effective approaches to teaching reading.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support |
| 79% | 94% | 93% | 91% | 96% | 95% | 98% | 88% | 96% | 93% |
Ensuring that every student can access dual-enrollment or other early college opportunities to earn college credit while in high school.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support |
| 78% | 93% | 91% | 94% | 95% | 95% | 96% | 92% | 90% | 94% |
Private schools that receive state funding should be held to the same standards as public schools when it comes to financial reporting requirements, academic reporting requirements, and employment standards.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support |
| 66% | 80% | 71% | 77% | 91% | 72% | 86% | 82% | 73% | 85% |
Increasing funding for K-12 public education.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support |
| 63% | 79% | 66% | 79% | 93% | 82% | 86% | 82% | 74% | 75% |
New Increase the number of students who pursue and complete education or training beyond high school (including university, community college or technical/trade school).
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support |
| 60% | 85% | 76% | 82% | 97% | 95% | 86% | 87% | 80% | 82% |
Increasing need-based state financial aid to encourage more students to enroll in Arizona's public universities and community colleges after high school.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support |
| 56% | 77% | 66% | 76% | 91% | 82% | 88% | 74% | 74% | 74% |
Value Statements
Every school should have the resources necessary to deliver quality education that prepares every child for the future, no matter their skin color, background, or zip code.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 89% | 96% | 95% | 96% | 96% | 95% | 95% | 95% | 97% | 96% |
New Our public universities and community colleges are critical to ensuring Arizona’s success now and in the future. State investments in public higher education should be a priority.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 53% | 79% | 63% | 81% | 95% | 88% | 84% | 78% | 73% | 79% |
TAXES & STATE SPENDING New Data
Policy Items
Cuts to K-12 Education to balance the state budget.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Oppose * | Total Oppose * | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose |
| 73% | 87% | 79% | 90% | 94% | 85% | 95% | 87% | 86% | 84% |
Cuts to Public Safety to balance the state budget.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Oppose * | Total Oppose * | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose |
| 64% | 82% | 88% | 79% | 78% | 78% | 79% | 77% | 84% | 87% |
Cuts to Healthcare to balance the state budget.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Oppose * | Total Oppose * | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose | Total Oppose |
| 61% | 81% | 69% | 83% | 92% | 83% | 84% | 77% | 80% | 82% |
Value Statements
A robust transportation infrastructure system, including investments in our freeways, streets, and transit throughout the State of Arizona, is critical to moving people, goods, and services throughout the state and essential to our long-term economic success.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 60% | 90% | 88% | 91% | 92% | 90% | 89% | 89% | 91% | 92% |
Arizona is expected to reach 8 million residents by 2030 and 9 million by 2040. It will take higher levels of planning and preparedness to ensure we have the resources and infrastructure to support that growth and maintain our high quality of life.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 57% | 87% | 84% | 88% | 89% | 90% | 88% | 83% | 88% | 86% |
New For Arizona to live up to its potential as a great place to live, we need a long-term investment strategy based on stable revenue and better planning.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 54% | 88% | 83% | 90% | 93% | 95% | 90% | 84% | 90% | 86% |
Arizona families are struggling to find affordable and reliable childcare. Without dependable access to childcare, caregivers may miss work or leave the workforce altogether. Arizona should invest more in childcare assistance programs for qualifying families.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 53% | 77% | 64% | 79% | 90% | 80% | 86% | 73% | 70% | 79% |
* The Arizona Voters’ Agenda identifies key areas where voters across all subgroups consistently align. While most items on the Agenda reflect widespread support for certain ideas, it is important to note that one specific item stands out for its strong consensus in opposition—specifically, against certain proposed spending cuts.
IMMIGRATION
Policy Items
Enacting comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support |
| 56% | 77% | 61% | 79% | 92% | 83% | 85% | 84% | 67% | 72% |
Value Statements
Immigration reform is important to our country and our economy. Mexico is Arizona’s largest trade and tourism partner – we must prioritize creating a functioning border for commerce and immigration.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 66% | 89% | 85% | 91% | 92% | 87% | 94% | 88% | 90% | 87% |
The current influx of thousands of migrants at the southern border is an international humanitarian and refugee crisis. Our leaders must work together to find a bipartisan solution to this problem.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 62% | 82% | 74% | 80% | 92% | 87% | 84% | 76% | 78% | 88% |
HOUSING
Policy Items
Increase housing that is affordable in my community.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support | Total Support |
| 62% | 78% | 61% | 79% | 92% | 83% | 85% | 84% | 67% | 72% |
Value Statements
State and local government must do more to ensure that housing options are affordable and available to middle and low-income earners throughout the state.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 59% | 82% | 71% | 83% | 94% | 85% | 88% | 84% | 77% | 81% |
State and local government must do more to make sure people who experience homelessness can access safe, affordable housing.
| All Likely Voters | Republican | IND/UN | Democrat | Age 20-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-64 | Age 65+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree | Total Agree |
| 52% | 81% | 72% | 80% | 92% | 82% | 85% | 82% | 77% | 82% |
VOTER INSIGHTS
In addition to the Arizona Voters’ Agenda policy action items, the surveys illuminate voter insights that help build an understanding of the outlook, preferences, and other key drivers shaping the electorate's priorities.
BIG QUESTIONS FOR ARIZONA’S FUTURE
The Arizona Voters' Agenda points to important questions for leaders and candidates to address as part of a productive and informative electoral process. Use the following questions, based on the 2024 Arizona Voters’ Agenda, to support meaningful discussions on the topics voters care about.
ELECTIONS ISSUES New Questions
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New How will you ensure that all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, have equal access to the voting process? |
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New What specific measures do you propose to remove barriers to voting in Arizona, especially for underrepresented communities? |
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New What reforms do you support to make Arizona’s primary system more representative of all voters? |
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New How would you address concerns that the current primary system encourages polarization, and what changes would you propose to promote more nonpartisan leadership? |
WATER & ENVIRONMENT New Questions
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New What specific policies would you implement to better protect our groundwater and secure long-term water supplies for future generations? |
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New How do you plan to balance water conservation efforts with the state’s economic and population growth? |
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New How would you work with federal and local agencies to ensure that forest management practices are implemented effectively to prevent wildfires? |
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New What steps would you take to promote active forest land management and wildfire prevention? |
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New How would you enhance Arizona’s disaster preparedness in light of increasingly extreme weather conditions? |
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New What is your plan to improve the state's infrastructure and emergency response systems to ensure Arizona can respond effectively to crises? |
EDUCATION New & Updated Questions
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Updated What do you think Arizona needs to do to become a top-performing public education system in the country? |
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Updated What should Arizona do to ensure every school has the resources needed to deliver quality education that prepares every child for the future? |
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Updated How will you increase investments in K-12 funding? |
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Updated What will you do to ensure more students succeed in reading and math? |
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Updated How will you ensure that private schools receiving ESA/voucher state dollars will be held equally accountable to financial and performance requirements and employment standards as public schools? |
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New How will you expand access and ensure more students enroll in education and training beyond high school? |
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New What are your plans for dual enrollment for all students and need-based financial aid programs? |
TAXES & STATE SPENDING New & Updated Questions
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Updated Voters strongly believe Arizona needs higher levels of planning and preparedness to ensure we have the resources and infrastructure to support projected growth and maintain a high quality of life. How are you planning to prepare for growth? |
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Updated What are your plans to ensure that Arizona's infrastructure can support the state's anticipated growth? |
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Updated Acknowledging the critical role of transportation infrastructure and childcare in Arizona's economic success, how do you plan to prioritize these areas? |
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New How will you advocate for a long-term investment strategy that ensures stable revenue and avoids the cycle of budget shortfalls and surpluses? |
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New What specific steps would you take to implement better fiscal planning and stability, ensuring that Arizona can invest in critical areas like education, infrastructure, and public safety without the constant shifts between budget cuts and surpluses? |
IMMIGRATION
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Immigration has been a long-standing issue with little progress over the decades, despite broad public support for reform. What specific steps will you take to build bipartisan coalitions and advocate for comprehensive immigration solutions that prioritize both security and humane treatment at the border? |
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Understanding that immigration policy is not solely determined at the state level, what actions will you advocate for at the federal level? |
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In light of broad agreement on the need for comprehensive immigration reform, what steps will you take to create a pathway to citizenship? |
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How do you propose to balance the humanitarian needs at the border with the imperative for a functioning border that supports commerce? |
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How do you define a functioning border for commerce and immigration? |
HOUSING
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What specific policies will you propose to make housing more accessible to middle and low-income earners? |
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How will you ensure that state and local governments take a more active role in addressing homelessness? |
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What measures will you propose to encourage the development of housing that is affordable? |
The Arizona Voters’ Agenda surveys ask about a wide array of issues and topics, and some items do not reach the level of agreement among likely voters required to be included.
The resulting Arizona Voters’ Agenda is built on where there is broad consensus focusing on issues agreed upon by the electorate. By setting a high bar for inclusion—demanding over 50% strong agreement among all voters and agreement across every political affiliation and age group—it ensures the agenda reflects widely supported policies. This method filters out partisan issues, highlighting priorities with real potential for progress and representing concerns crucial to the vast majority of Arizona's likely voters. This process not only fosters a nonpartisan approach but also aims to provide practical and actionable policy insights for the state.
We evaluate results of the survey using a rigorous agreement threshold. See the details.
METHODOLOGY
HighGround, Inc. conducts the surveys on behalf of CFA.
The first Arizona Voters’ Agenda survey was conducted among likely voters ahead of the 2024 primary election, on March 4-11, 2024, with a random sample of 500 people.
The second Arizona Voters’ Agenda survey was conducted among likely voters ahead of the 2024 general election, on August 5-13, 2024, with a random sample of 500 people.
Both polls surveyed likely Arizona 2024 General Election voters with a history of electoral participation and were balanced to model the likely turnout of voters across party, age, region, and gender.
HighGround, Inc. conducted live interview surveys of voters in English and Spanish to landline and cell phone users.
Based on previous election trends, the partisan advantage was set at +4% GOP. The margin of error is ±4.3%. Due to rounding, percentages may not total 100.
SURVEY DEMOGRAPHICS
DEFINITIONS OF SUBGROUPS
All demographics are based on current voter registration files.
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Republican: those currently registered with the Republican party, based on the party registration currently in their voter file at the time of the survey. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Democratic: those currently registered with the Democratic party, based on the party registration currently in their voter file at the time of the survey. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Independent/unaffiliated: this group is made up of all other registered voters who are not registered as a Republican or Democrat. Currently, this group is made up of “Other” as defined by the Secretary of State (which includes those who wrote in “independent” or “no party” or “party not declared”) as well as the other recognized parties that represent less than 2% of registered voters in the state (Libertarian: 0.77%, No Labels: 0.68%, and Green 0.07%). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All age groups reflect the current age of voters at the time of the surveys.
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There are two surveys conducted during each election cycle to inform the Arizona Voters’ Agenda.
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March 2024 Survey Questions |
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August 2024 Survey Questions |
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The Arizona Voters’ Agenda is Built on Where Voters Agree Policy Items and Value Statements, which make up the Voters’ Agenda, must meet or surpass a high threshold of agreement, defined by the following criteria, in order to be included:
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The 2024 Arizona Voters’ Agenda initiative is supported in part by Arizona Community Foundation, Helios Education Foundation, Pivotal Foundation, Southern Arizona Leadership Council, and Thomas R. Brown Family Private Foundation.