What Makes a Great Election in Arizona? (Tucson)

The Mechanics of Democracy Lab hosted its second ‘What Makes a Great Election in Arizona?’ convening in Tucson, Arizona. Held at the University of Arizona’s School of Government and Public Policy, the convening marked another important conversation in the three-part series developed with The Center for the Future of Arizona, Vitalyst Health Foundation, Arizona Democracy Resilience Network, and Democracy Defense Project. 

With more than 50 participants, ranging from election officials, experts, academics, technology professionals, and civic leaders, the day’s conversation focused on what it takes to run a strong election. 

Throughout the day, discussions explored core components of effective election administration–what goes into creating and sustaining strong elections, how to navigate and take on emerging threats to election integrity, and how to combat the growing challenges of misinformation. 

The convening featured a series of dynamic panels with leaders from southern Arizona and the broader Arizona election ecosystem. Speakers included Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes; Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly; Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines; Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott; Pinal County Recorder Jared Smith; former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer; as well as former members of Congress–both state and national–Ron Barber and Matt Salmon. 

The success of this Tucson convening was made possible through creating space for open dialogues and shared experiences. Strengthening democracy requires these networks to continue their work and commitment to ensuring public trust in elections is grounded in policy and practice. Convenings like this play a critical role in ensuring that election systems remain resilient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.