News / Articles

The Voting Rights Act at 61: Why It Still Matters Today

Published On 8/6/2026

On August 6, Americans mark the anniversary of one of the most significant civil rights laws in our nation's history—the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The Act transformed voting in America by prohibiting racial discrimination in elections, eliminating literacy tests, expanding language assistance for voters, and strengthening federal enforcement of voting rights. For Arizona, the law has been especially important because of its protections for Native American and Latino communities.
While the Voting Rights Act remains in effect today, several Supreme Court decisions have changed how some of its protections operate, making it more important than ever for voters to understand both the law's history and its continuing role in protecting access to the ballot.
To learn more, read the attached LWVAZ educational handout, "The Voting Rights Act of 1965: Then and Now," which explains the history of the Act, its impact in Arizona, and how its protections have evolved over time

The LWVAZ Legislative Analysis Team (LAT) prepared this comprehensive guide to the language of lawmaking, which is key to navigating the Arizona Legislature. Whether you're a policy expert tracking bills or a concerned citizen looking to engage with the legislative process, knowing the terminology used in bills, amendments, and debates can help you understand what’s happening at the Capitol. With clearer insight into the words shaping Arizona’s laws, you’ll be better equipped to follow, analyze, and participate in the policymaking process.

LWVAZ and Naturalization Ceremonies

LWVAZ and Naturalization Ceremonies
On August 29, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new policy guidance stating that only state or local election officials may provide voter registration services at the end of administrative naturalization ceremonies held at USCIS facilities. In Arizona, voter registration at naturalization ceremonies is managed by county elections departments, not by the League. Our role is to recruit and support volunteers who serve as trained deputy registrars in partnership with counties.
Volunteers must use county-issued identification (not League materials), follow county rules, and protect registrants’ privacy. Maricopa County and others rely on League members to help staff ceremonies, and training through your county elections office is required before serving.
Learn more about how the process works in Arizona — including volunteer opportunities and additional ways Leagues can support new citizens — by reading the complete article.

Arizona Legislature - Wrap-up

Published On 8/18/2025

Arizona Legislature- 2025- Fifty-seventh Legislature - First Regular Session
2025 LWVAZ Advocacy & Action : Legislative Wrap-up
Described variously as a train wreck, dumpster fire, topsy-turvy, and quarrelsome (Governor description), the 2025 legislative session of the Fifty-seventh Legislature's First Regular Session concluded on June 27 with a bipartisan budget signed just in time to keep the government functioning. Gov. Hobbs broke her own veto record, vetoing 174 bills (many of which were voter suppression bills that the league opposed), compared with 143 in 2023, her first year in office.

Published On 8/10/2025

After two years of hard work researching, writing and editing, an incredible team of League members have published an illuminating white paper on Arizona redistricting and the role of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC).

LWV Federal Judiciary Position

Published On 8/1/2025

In June 2025, the League of Women Voters national Board was pleased to announce the adoption of the new League position on the Federal Judiciary.

Published On 11/1/2024

"DEMOCRACY TRUTH: A Podcast Journey with the League of Women Voters of Arizona"

home page news