Ballot Measures are the most dangerous items on our ballots. When a vote on an issue is sent to the voters and it passes, unless ruled unconstitutional by the court, it's nearly impossible to do anything about it if it doesn't work as intended. Arizona propositions and initiatives use a three digit numbering system where the first indicates the category. 

     100 Series Ballot Measures are Constitutional Amendments

     200 Series Ballot Measures are Statutory and change state law

     300 Series Ballot Measures are Veto Referendums to repeal or reject laws passed by the Legislature

     400 Series Ballot Measures are for Local City, County, or School Board issues related to:

     -  Bonds

     -  Overrides 

     -  Local Ordinances

How they qualify to be on the ballot requires a vote of the legislature or petition signatures. But how many depends on which series. There are no major restrictions on who can be a sponsor. They can be submitted by individuals, corporations, unions, non-profits, political parties, political action committees, activist groups, or the legislature, depending on what category. No matter who files it, they want it to pass. So the Title and the Wording are always written to put on a positive spin. It can be very deceptive. For example; a union might create a Save Our Schools proposition may actually kill ESAs and home schooling if passed. Their goal would be to insure public schools get all the money. There is almost always big money tied to them, so organizations with something to gain often fund them... think unions, contractors, and political parties. If you factor in election fraud, the potential to get some really heinous stuff passed is really scary. 

 

There is more information on Ballot Measures on this Secretary of State webpage. 

 

The Propositions that we'll be voting on in 2026 are: 

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Proposition 415 

Prop 415 is requesting voter ratification of the constitutionally required 10-year update to the Chandler General Plan. It was placed on the ballot by passage of Resolution 5973 by the current Chandler Mayor and City Council. Arizona cities are required to update their general plans every 10 years. You can view the proposed 2026 Chandler General Plan HERE. And and you can view or purchase a hard copy of the plan at the Downtown, Sunset, or Basha Libraries, or at the Development Services Office: 215 E Buffalo Street. Prop 415 is 168 pages long and moderately vague, making it harder to understand and easier to pass future measures that favor someone, some group or organization. Each section is full of language like; monitor, maintain, protect, ensure, update and preserve. There's not a lot of specific plan guidance... but it looks good.

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As with all Propositions and Initiatives, this is ultimately about money or power. Big money wants this plan passed. We know because there are already signs all over the city asking you to vote for it. Paying for all those signs and their installation is an expensive operation. Well over $10k was spent on our recent Prop 410. And just imagine how much money is spent for county or state sized ballot measures? 

 

As a voter, I always look to see who supports or does not support it, and the reasons why? If you wish to offer an argument, your 300 words or less must be submitted to the City Clerk at least 90 days prior to the election, and it will cost you $150... which seems to be to limit regular citizens / residents from making comment. Apparently they want our vote, not our opinion. In the recent information pamphlet that was mailed out, there isn't one person or organization that lists reasons to vote against it. The City Council, the Chamber, and a few democrat candidates have submitted in support. 

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With All Ballot Measures, the authors will generally indicate were the money is going. And unless I know that it actually does something good and needed, I Vote NO because at that point it's just more spending. If any against arguments become available, we'll share them here, along with our final recommendation on Prop 415.

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