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    • The 2024 elections in Arizona will feature close races. Here are some
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    The 2024 elections in Arizona will feature close races. Here are some

    Umito Posted on

    Probably the only easy decision on Arizona’s ballot is the abortion measure. Many other races and key initiatives are too close to call.

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    It is Election Dayand in the words of then-President Gerald Ford, our long national nightmare is over.

    Oh, who am I kidding?

    It’s probably just beginning, as America moves from elections to racing to the courts or the streets or whatever happens once the people speak up.

    But today is democracy day, and the watchword this week is patience.

    If you vote today, prepare to queue.

    Don’t expect many results on election night

    This is not a conspiracy by those Republican demons who run Maricopa County. Just a high-turnout election and a long runoff, thanks to an Arizona legislature that offered 11 proposals — mostly proposals that the Republican majority knew would provide an up-close and personal look at Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs’ veto seal.

    And if you’re expecting instant results tonight, prepare to be disappointed.

    Again, this is not a conspiracy. Just the byproduct of a state law it doesn’t even allow for early ballots cast today to begin being processed until tomorrow. County officials told me they expect 400,000 of them to be filed, making it difficult to run a close race.

    Speaking of close races, we have them.

    The presidential race in Arizona is a national nail biterand our brawl in the U.S. Senate continues as Kari Lake hopes to finally deliver a punch to Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego.

    The only easy solution is Proposition 139, the abortion rights initiative, which is expected to be easily won.

    Beyond that, this year’s ballot is full of consequential questions that could go one way or the other.

    Arizona voters have a lot of influence over

    Are we going to allow the legislature to encourage us to ensure that more difficult to get citizen initiatives voted on (Proposition 134) and easier to bring them down (Proposition 136)?

    Shall we create a new open primary system that places all candidates on one ballot (Proposition 140), or will we protect our current partisan primaries by enshrining them in the state constitution (Proposition 133)?

    Will we limit our power to impeach judges — and, by the way, overturn any vote to impeach Supreme Court Justices Clint Bolick and Kathryn King, who voted earlier this year to reinstate the ban on abortion of 1864 in the state (Proposition 137)?

    Will we give local police the power – but not the funds – to enforce immigration law (Proposition 314)?

    The Democrats overthrow the legislatureor will Republicans maintain, or even increase, their one-vote margin in the House and Senate? Pay particular attention to the hotly contested races in Legislative Districts 2, 4, 9, 13, 16, 17 and 23.

    There are too many House possibilities to choose just one. But I’ll be paying close attention to this LD 2 senatorial contest in north Phoenix, featuring Republican nominee Sen. Shawnna Bolick against two-term Democratic Rep. Judy Schwiebert.

    Where will they stand in these key races?

    Will Republicans continue to control the Arizona Corporation Commission, delivering these very significant rate increases for Arizona’s utility?

    Will Republican Reps. David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani win another term, or will Amish Shah and Kirsten Engel figure in Democrats’ bid to take control of the House of Representatives?

    Will MAGA forces take over Maricopa County? Pay particular attention to the county recorder’s race, featuring Republican Rep. Justin Heap against Democrat Timothy Stringham. Recorder Stephen Richer was sent off in the GOP primary, because he didn’t buy into the stolen election ploy.

    Notice: Make your Arizona election predictions here

    Also at stake are several critical seats on the county Board of Supervisors, including the race in East Valley to replace Supervisor Jack Sellers, another Republican who fell because of his insufficient support for the election rejection crowd.

    The MAGA pick is Chandler City Councilman Mark Stewart, but Democrat Joel Navarro got Sellers’ endorsement. This could be essential, given the political makeup of this swing district.

    Finally, will Maricopa County voters continue to half-cent sales tax fund the Valley’s regional transportation plan for the next 20 years (Proposition 479)?

    The issue was put on the ballot last year by a bipartisan coalition in the Legislature, facing fierce opposition from the far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus.

    “If we pass this bill, it will be a massive victory for Hobbs and the Democrats,” the representative said. Heap growls on social networks just before the legislative vote.

    Besides, it will be a huge win for commuters who don’t like being stuck in hideous traffic for hours.

    Contact Roberts at [email protected]. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz and on the discussions at @LaurieRobertsaz.

    Subscribe to azcentral.com Today.

    Umito
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