Chalk art on the stairs heading to the Integrated Learning Center on the University of Arizona campus encourages young people to vote in the upcoming election.
Arizonans had many decisions on this year's ballot.
Proposition 125
| Public Retirement Systems | % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Yes |
51.72% | 1,130,219 | |
 No |
48.28% | 1,055,198 |
Voters decided to approve Proposition 125, dealing with pensions, according to unofficial, early results.
Across the country, state retirement systems are in danger of failure. Two years ago, Arizona made changes to the retirement system for police and firefighters. Proposition 125 would make changes to the state retirement plans for corrections officers and elected officials as part of a continued effort to stabilize the pension system.
Proposition 126
| Prohibition of Taxation of Services | % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes |
64.09% | 1,436,106 | |
| No |
35.91% | 804,794 |
Arizona voters decided to ban future taxes on certain services.
Proposition 126 prevents the Legislature, or any local government, from imposing a tax on a service-based industry such as haircuts, child care, or real estate transactions. The proposal also prevents an increase of any existing service tax. The idea was placed on the ballot through the citizen's initiative process and the efforts of the Arizona Association of Realtors.
Proposition 127
| Clean Energy Amendment | % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes |
31.40% | 723,138 | |
| No |
68.60% | 1,580,101 |
Voters rejected an effort increase renewable energy across the state, some citing an expectation that it would result in an unfair cost on consumers.
Most states have some renewable energy portfolio standard. One of the highest-profile ballot issues this year, Proposition 127 would have amended the state constitution and required energy utilities, including Tucson Electric Power, to get half of their power from renewable sources like wind and solar by the year 2030.
Proposition 305
| Empowerment Scholarship Accounts | % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes |
35.17% | 790,608 | |
| No |
64.83% | 1,457,070 |
Proposition 305, which asked whether Arizonans were ready to expand school vouchers, was rejected by state voters.
Last year, the state Legislature passed a bill to expand empowerment scholarship accounts, which are essentially vouchers for private schools. Originally created for Native American students, military families, and students with disabilities, last year's bill signed by the governor expanded the vouchers to be available to any student.
Arizonans collected signatures and forced a referendum on the bill signed by the governor, leading to Proposition 305. Opponents argue expanding the voucher program further diverts needed funding from public schools. Proponents say it gives more choice to other students.
Proposition 306
| Citizens Clean Election Act | % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes |
56.19% | 1,248,675 | |
| No |
43.81% | 973,385 |
Voters approved a measure limiting the authority of the state commission that gives public finance to candidates, simultaneously awarding the governor more oversight over the commssion
Proposition 306 changes the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, an independent, nonpartisan oversight board created by voters. The commission provides public funding for qualifying candidates and enforces campaign finance laws. Before the passage of Prop. 306, the commission was independent, meaning it did not answer to the governor or Legislature.
Prop. 306, proposed by the state Legislature, now prohibits candidates from transferring public funds to a political party or organization and puts the commission's rulemaking under the authority of a council appointed by the governor.
Proponents argued it would help keep public money out of party politics. Opponents argued it would weaken the authority and independence of the Clean Elections Commission.
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