2026 Fall Election Convening
With Election Day right around the corner, ASU’s Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory (MODL) has been hard at work to prepare for the big day. On September 22nd, MODL another major election right around the corner, ASU’s Mechanics of Democracy Lab gathered local election officials, academics, and civic leaders on September 22 for a day of timely reflection, technical analysis, and shared inquiry. Arizona’s voting ecosystem is changing rapidly, and as public debate intensifies over how we cast and count our ballots, open dialogue between policy experts and practitioners has never been more vital. This convening served as a dedicated space to examine current administrative challenges, share practical insights, and explore collaborative paths toward electoral innovation.
The morning opened with a panel that discussed an analysis of Proposition 144, entitled Prop 144: Myths, Facts, and Implications. on a Panel: Myths, Facts, and Implications. Moderated by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, the panel featured insights from Bill Gates, Gina Swoboda, and Thomas Collins, who together untangled popular misconceptions surrounding the measure from its actual legal framework and operational realities.
A central highlight of the day was an in-depth panel, moderated by David Becker, which brought together Sybil Francis and Matt Salmon to analyze recent research from the Center for the Future of Arizona and the Democracy Defense Foundation. Together, they examined what state residents value most in their voting systems, where confidence remains strong, and how voter attitudes shape the broader landscape leading into the general election.
Participants also attended a live recording of the PBS segment Elections in Evolution, hosted by Ted Simons. The session brought together MODL’s Bill Gates, Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, Votebeat reporter Sasha Hupka, and business leader John Fees tackling the critical question of whether ongoing structural changes are truly making our elections better.
The day concluded with a direct dialogue between the public and election leadership during a town hall Town Hall with Lisa Marra, Scott Jarrett, and Chairwoman Kate Brophy McGee. As we look ahead to November and beyond, the MODL Mechanics of Democracy Lab remains deeply committed to fostering these vital spaces.
As Arizona prepares for the November election, this convening served as an essential checkpoint to ensure election leaders, and community advocates enter the election period informed, aligned, and prepared. Looking beyond this immediate election cycle, the Mechanics of Democracy Lab remains steadfast in its mission to professionalize election administration, champion public education, and bolster faith in democratic processes. By continuing to host these vital convenings, MODL is dedicated to advancing nonpartisan education and ensuring that our democratic institutions remain accessible, transparent, and resilient for every voter. We extend our sincere gratitude to our supporting partners including the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Arizona Democracy Resilience Network, Leadership Now Project Arizona, Democracy Defense Foundation, the Vitalyst Health foundation and Pillars of the Community for their vital partnership as we work together to strengthen democracy across Arizona.