Elections in Evolution: Inside MODL’s Special Arizona PBS Forum

Arizona’s voting ecosystem is changing rapidly, and as public debate over how ballots are cast and counted intensifies across the state, key leaders gathered at Arizona State University to examine the future of election administration.

As part of the Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory (MODL) convening at ASU, the lab partnered with Arizona PBS for a special live taping titled AZ Votes Forum: Elections in Evolution. The half-hour broadcast brought together prominent voices from county administration, investigative journalism, the private sector, and public policy to address a central question: How are structural reforms reshaping Arizona’s voting landscape, and do these changes ultimately improve the election process for voters?

The forum was moderated by Ted Simons, the award-winning host and managing editor of Arizona PBS’s nightly public affairs show, Arizona Horizon. Drawing on his nearly two decades of reporting on Valley politics and governance, Simons led the panel through a rigorous examination of proposed policy reforms, operational challenges, and what voters can expect at the ballot box in upcoming election cycles.

Representing local election administration, Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly offered perspective on voter registration, early voting logistics, and community engagement. Elected in 2020 as the first Native American to hold a countywide office in Pima County, Cázares-Kelly drew from her background as an educator, grassroots organizer, and co-founder of Indivisible Tohono to highlight the importance of expanding civic access in tribal and rural communities.

Joining her on the panel was Sasha Hupka, a democracy reporter for Votebeat who covers election administration and voting access across Arizona. With experience reporting for The Arizona Republic, The Los Angeles Times, and PolitiFact, Hupka provided crucial context on how state policy debates and legal challenges directly impact local election officials and the voting public.

The discussion also incorporated perspectives on private-sector leadership and institutional trust. Phoenix-area entrepreneur John Fees, Co-Founder and CEO of GradGuard, brought a business-focused lens to the conversation. An ASU graduate and Harvard Business School alumnus who has successfully built and sold major ventures to Viacom and JP Morgan Chase, Fees examined how broader civic health and confidence in public institutions affect economic stability and community investment.

Bill Gates, Director of the ASU Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory, a center focused on the practical mechanics and processes of elections emphasized the need for evidence-based solutions and partisan inclusive dialogue. Gates, who also serves as a Professor of Practice at ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, brings extensive frontline governance experience to the laboratory. He previously served on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors including as Board Chairman and spent seven years on the Phoenix City Council, providing unique insights into both municipal governance and county election administration.

For voters and community members navigating an era of rapid policy shifts, this forum provided an accessible window into how our election systems work and where they can be improved. By examining alternative solutions to election administration, practical technological tools, and emerging electoral models, the Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory is dedicated to helping everyday Arizonans better understand the mechanics behind their vote ensuring our democratic institutions remain transparent, accessible, and responsive to the public they serve.