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Notes from the Chair | June 2021

by Bonnie Heidler

The Republican-led Arizona state legislature, having failed to pass a budget in time for this session to end, returned on June 10 to continue this debate. The good news is that the votes weren’t there for a 2.5% flat tax, another scheme to enrich the wealthy and punish everyone else; this would be devastating for working class families in Arizona. Let’s hope it fails again.

The bad news is that HB1485 passed. People who are now on PEVL, renamed AEVL (Active Early Voter List), can be removed from the list if they don’t return their ballots for two elections. The count starts in 2022, but voters won’t be notified until 2026 that they will be removed. Republicans are spinning this as an “election integrity’’ measure that protects Arizona voters. On the contrary, it’s one more voter-suppression measure targeting some of the state’s most disadvantaged people. Whenever you’re talking to voters, especially if they’re on PEVL, please make sure to remind them of the change.

Of course, the “fraudit’’ continues in Phoenix. Now other states are using this alleged vote recount as the gold standard of what they should do with their own 2020 election results. These consequences of the Republican-led Arizona audit continue to chip away at our democracy.

The ripple effect caused by the “fraudit” also demonstrates how the 2022 mid-term election will be the most critical in our lifetime. And you thought 2020 was that election! Unfortunately, many of those in the Republican Party have turned their loyalty over to a former President rather than their party’s ideals. Although there is no presidential candidate on the ballot this year, Trump’s ideology will be on the ballot in addition to democracy. Insurrectionists, conspiracy theorists, liars and white supremacists are running for office and begging for a Trump endorsement. We still have 147 U.S. House members who voted to overturn the election and don’t believe Joe Biden is president – They should be removed for not upholding their oath of office.

2022 is the year we must turn AZ blue, so that horrible bills like this one put forth this session by Republicans, have no chance of passing. With a Democratic majority in the state legislature, the people of Arizona will be prioritized over profit. We must start educating voters now.

I have continued to search for sponsors for our virtual July 17 “We CAN (Climate Action Now)” fundraiser. You can help by visiting pimadems.org and purchasing a ticket! Our keynote speaker is the renowned climate scientist Dr. Michael Mann, who will discuss his battle plan to address climate change. In addition, we will also hear from Arizona Corporation Commissioner Sandra Kennedy who will talk about the particular challenges that climate change poses for Arizona, where triple digits for much of the summer has become the norm.

PCDP Director Miranda Lopez is busy recruiting volunteers for phone banking, fundraising and voter contact – especially Spanish speakers. She is also preparing to re-open HQ – Stay tuned for more on that! We’re planning something special to welcome everyone back, given new CDC guidelines regarding COVID.

In addition to a city primary in August, candidates for 2022 are already declaring their runs for office. Even now, the LDs have started to build their teams to reach out to voters. We ask that you join us in any way you can, whether it’s a monthly donation or a weekly volunteer shift. It’s all hands on deck.

Stay safe, cool and hydrated!

about the particular challenges that climate change pose for Arizona, where triple digits for much of the summer has become the norm.PCDP Director Miranda Lopez is busy recruiting volunteers for phone banking, fundraising and voter contact – especially Spanish speakers. She is also preparing tore-open HQ. Stay tuned for more on that. We’re planning something special to welcome everyone back, now that the pandemic seems to be under control. But it doesn’t hurt to remain cautious in public places. Stay safe, cool and hydrated!Bonnie Heidler

Notes from the Chair | Voting by Mail in Pima County

Notes from the Chair | Voting by Mail in Pima County

Arizonans are accustomed to voting by mail. Approximately 80% of voters are on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL). Especially during a pandemic, there are many advantages to voting by mail:

  1. No need for unnecessary coronavirus exposure by going to the polls.
  2. Reduces wait times at polls for those who do like to cast their votes in person.
  3. Allows elections departments to begin counting votes earlier, increasing the chance of so we usually have a good idea of outcomes on Election Day.
  4. People who vote by mail can log on to check the Recorder’s website to confirm online that their ballot was received and counted. Find the website link where you can check on your ballot status, is provided below.

PCDP’s message about mail-in voting is a simple one: Vote early, vote early, VOTE EARLY.

The Recorder Ballots will be sent send out ballots by the Recorder on October 7. If you are on the PEVL and don’t receive your ballot by October 14, call the recorder at 520-724-4330.


Don’t procrastinate! Return in returning your ballot quickly. While the Recorder’s office recommends says to put mailing your ballot back in the mail by October 27, we advise doing it so much earlier: —by October 19 or 20. Remember, the Recorder must receive your ballot must be received by November 3!! The postmark date doesn’t matter; It is the receipt date that will determine whether if your vote counts. or not.

If you do procrastinate, in returning your ballot, don’t rely on the postal service. Drop off your completed ballot at a curbside drop-off or early-voting location. Find the link to those locations which you can find provided at the links below.


If it’s Election Day and you’re still holding your completed ballot, in hand, drop off your competed ballot it at ANY polling location. Find your polling location can be found in the links listed below.


If you still have any questions, about any of this, call the Pima County Recorder’s office at 520-724-4330. They WANT to help you make your vote count.
PCDP offers has prepared videos in English and Spanish about planning your vote in Pima County. Please share these video links, (listed below,) to with anyone you know who has questions.


One final note: DO NOT PUT A STAMP on the postage-paid envelope. That could actually slow it down.
Happy Voting, Pima Democrats!

Links to the Recorder’s information.

Curbside ballot drop-off locations and hours: of operation
Early voting sites and hours: of operation
To find your precinct voting location
Check on your ballot status


Videos on making your vote count in Pima County.

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