| ADVOCACY AND ACTION
Call to Action
February 1st, 2026 | Published by LWVAZ Advocacy Committee to update members on news and calls to action.
Editors: Gitelle Seer, Pinny Sheoran | Watch for our Call to Action emails, call the legislators on the committees with your concerns, and be sure to submit your comments on the RTS system. It’s essential that every Arizona citizen speak out against any bills that take away the power of your vote.
The link to all issues of “Call to Action” is posted on our website.
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CALENDARS
2026 Legislative Calendar
Mon. Jan. 12 2026 legislative session starts
Mon. Feb. 2 Last day for Senate introduction of bills
Mon. Feb. 9 Last day for House introduction of bills
Fri. Feb. 20 Last day for consideration of bills in the originating chamber
Crossover Week [Feb. 23 - Feb. 27]
Fri. March 27 Last day for consideration of bills in the other chamber
Fri. April 17 Last day for consideration of bills in Conference Committees
Sat. April 25 Adjournment Sine Die
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LWV Public Policy Positions Bootcamps
Public Policy Positions are the foundation of League advocacy—and member voice is essential. As LWVUS fast-tracks positions for confirmation at the 2026 National Convention, LWVAZ is hosting two Public Policy Positions Bootcamps to engage members statewide.
Under the theme Women Defend Democracy: Democracy Under Siege, members will explore proposed national positions, discuss emerging priorities, and prepare to submit input through the LWVUS survey.
Bootcamp Dates (Choose One).Open to all members. Your participation helps shape the League’s national advocacy agenda.
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LWVAZ’s 2026 Annual Legislative Lobby Week - February 22-28 |  | | LWVAZ LEGISLATIVE LOBBY DAY | Wednesday, February 25
All League members are invited to join us at the Arizona State Capitol for LWVAZ Legislative Lobby Day on Wednesday, February 25. The day begins with registration and a continental breakfast from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by a robust morning program featuring remarks from legislative leaders, including Senate President Warren Petersen, Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan, Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro (pending confirmation), and House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos. Attorney General Kris Mayes has also been invited to speak. In addition, members of the Arizona Voting Rights Coalition will share an overview of the proposed Arizona Voters First Act legislation, offering important context for League advocacy this session.
A boxed lunch is provided, and in the afternoon members are encouraged to attend House or Senate committee hearings to observe the legislative process in action.
Advance registration is required. Registration closes February 17.
Register@ https://linktr.ee/lwvazlunchandlearn |  | LUNCH AND LEARN SESSIONS | February 22,23,26,27,28, 2026
The Arizona Legislature is back in session—and so is the League’s premier advocacy event. Join us for the 2026 LWVAZ Annual Legislative Lobby Week, a week of learning, connection, and action designed to deepen your understanding of Arizona’s legislative process and strengthen the League’s impact at the Capitol. This year’s program combines in-person advocacy with a full slate of virtual Lunch & Learn sessions, making it easy to participate in meaningful civic engagement that fits your schedule.
Register @ https://linktr.ee/lwvazlunchandlearn.
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Sunday, February 22 | 2:00–4:00 p.m. The First Amendment & Freedom of the Press (Webinar)
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Monday, February 23, 12:00-1:30 p.m. What the 2024 Vote Tells Us About 2026 - Presentation by America Votes (Webinar)
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Tuesday, February 24, 12:00–1:30 p.m. Protecting Voter Rolls from Administrative Overreach Presentation By Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes (Webinar)
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Thursday February 26, |12-1:30 p.m. Education in Arizona (Webinar)
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Friday February 27 |12-1:30 p.m. How the Legislative Process Works (Webinar)
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Saturday, February 28 | 2:00–4:00 p.m. One Person, One Vote (Webinar)
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Democracy Needs You: Join the VOTE411 Team for 2026
Arizona’s 2026 elections will shape our future.
From voting access and public education to water policy and democratic accountability, the decisions made in 2026 will have lasting consequences for communities across the state.
VOTE411 is the League’s trusted, nonpartisan voter guide, a proven, time-honored resource that gives voters clear, accurate, unbiased information straight from the candidates themselves. In a closely divided state like Arizona, strong voter education isn’t optional; it’s essential to ensuring every voter can participate fully and confidently in our democracy.
We need your help to make it happen.
As we gear up for the 2026 elections, we’re recruiting volunteers to:
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Write unbiased, thoughtful candidate questions
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Update office position descriptions
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Analyze state ballot measures
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Promote VOTE411 through media and outreach
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Speak at community events
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Support other critical behind-the-scenes work to ensure our content is complete, accurate, and accessible
Your time and skills directly empower voters—and strengthen democracy statewide.
👉 Take a moment to complete the brief VOTE411 Volunteer Survey and tell us how you’d like to contribute. Vote411 Volunteer Survey
To learn more about what’s involved and when:
Your voice. Your skills. Your impact.
| Legislative Calls to Action
RTS Now! | |
RTS Now!
Committee Hearings on Bills Week of <Date>
Please use RTS (Request to Speak) to inform legislators if you support or oppose the bills listed below. You can also email the committee members and request your testimony and statements be entered into the public record.
League recommendations are based on research of the bills by the Legislative Analysis Issue Teams under the State Advocacy Committee. The issue teams’ reviews include analyzing the pros and cons, assessing the impact on diverse communities, and recommending support or opposition.
NOTE: RTS closes an hour before the hearing
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To read more about these bills:
Detailed Call to Action information about the bills being heard in committee during the week of February 2-5, 2026 can be found here: Read More. Your input matters—don't wait to make a difference! https://bit.ly/LWVAZCTA
List of League’s legislative analysis for 2025 (PDF):https://www.lwvaz.org/docs.ashx?id=1597983 | REQUEST TO SPEAK (RTS): USE RTS TO INFLUENCE OUTCOME OF LEGISLATION | |
What is Request to Speak (RTS)?
Request to Speak (RTS) is an online, real-time system that allows the public to register opinions on bills being heard in committee. You can:
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Indicate whether you are “for” or “against” the bill
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Write a brief comment explaining your position
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Register your willingness to speak (testify) during the committee hearing
We encourage you to use this powerful tool to make your voice heard at the legislature.
When Can I Use RTS?
You can only use RTS when a bill is being heard in committee and for a few days before the committee hearing. The legislative session starts the second Monday in January and lasts at least 100 days.
How Can I Learn More?
How do I get an RTS Account?
If you do not have an RTS account, please complete the Request to Speak Form, and a league volunteer will register your account at the Capitol. We will create your account with a generic password. Once you receive an email from us confirming that your account has been set up, we advise you to change your password immediately. Please note that you cannot register for RTS online.
| | Coalition Urges Arizona Supreme Court to Protect Access to Justice in Courthouses
The League of Women Voters of Arizona joined more than 80 organizations, including legal advocacy groups and law firms, in a letter to the Arizona Supreme Court calling for clear, statewide guidance on the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Arizona courthouses. The coalition raised concerns that inconsistent practices across jurisdictions are creating fear and confusion—particularly among immigrant communities—and discouraging people from appearing in court, complying with legal obligations, or seeking justice.
The letter emphasizes that courthouses must remain safe, neutral, and welcoming spaces where due process rights can be exercised without intimidation. It urges the Court to strongly discourage ICE presence in courthouses except in extraordinary circumstances and, if permitted, to require safeguards such as mandatory check-ins with court security, weapons restrictions, and entry only with a valid judicial warrant. These measures, the coalition argues, would protect public safety, preserve trust in the courts, and ensure equal access to justice for all Arizonans.
Link to Letter. Letter to SCOAZ 1.30.26.pdf
Federal Seizure of 2020 Elections Materials: New Messaging Guidance on Federal Seizure of Election Materials
In light of past efforts in Arizona to conduct sham audits and re-litigate the results of the 2020 election, LWVAZ urges all election officials in our state to continue standing firm in defense of the rule of law, voter privacy, and the integrity of our elections. Attempts to revisit settled election outcomes—whether through audits, records seizures, or voter-roll demands—undermine public trust and place unnecessary strain on election administrators.
LWVAZ has received new messaging guidance developed by the All Voting Is Local, our Arizona Voting Rights coalition partner, addressing recent federal actions targeting 2020 election materials. The guidance responds to the seizure of election records in Fulton County, Georgia, and to nationwide demands for voter rolls. It underscores that elections are administered by trusted local election officials—not the federal government—and warns that renewed efforts based on long-debunked conspiracy theories risk discouraging voter participation and eroding confidence in free and fair elections. Election officials and advocates are urged to hold the line against partisan power grabs and to protect voters’ rights, election security, and democratic norms.
Messaging Guidance_ Federal Seizure of 2020 Election Materials.pdf | |
Statements/Messaging
Congress Updates
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Following another murder of a civilian in Minnesota by ICE officials last weekend, Senators came back to move the final spending and appropriations bills forward. The League joined calls to end additional funding to ICE, CBP and DHS as budget deadline approaches. Read the letter here. Take action here.
Civic Action Toolkit (Coming Soon)
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Our team is rapidly developing a Civic Action Toolkit to support both state and local Leagues in responding to planned ICE deployments—particularly in areas where impacts may be felt most acutely. This toolkit is informed by conversations with individuals and organizations who previously navigated similar challenges during what happened in Minneapolis. It will include guidance on civic actions directed at elected officials and law enforcement, as well as options for members to support local mutual aid efforts. Once finalized, we will distribute the toolkit simultaneously to all Leagues (local and state), so you have consistent, proactive resources ready to share.
No Kings Partnership – Mass Mobilization March 28
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LWV will again serve as an official partner with No Kings for the March mobilization, with additional actions anticipated later in the year. Some Leagues have expressed uncertainty about whether they should participate, so we want you to feel confident in telling your state and local leaders that they can absolutely lean in.
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QUICK LINKS
League Public Policy Positions
LWVAZ Advocacy and Action Newsletters
Arizona Law: The Legislative Process (a reader-friendly overview)
How a Bill Becomes a Law (a detailed visual explanation of the process from Arizona Agenda)
Guide to Getting Public Records. Another great resource from the Arizona Agenda
RTS Manual
BSI Manual
Arizona Legislative Lingo: Do you need an explainer to understand legislative jargon? Why are there COWs in the state Capitol? Use our handy guide, Arizona Legislative Lingo: Terminology, Definitions, and Abbreviations, to crack the code. | |
CELEBRATE 100+ YEARS OF LEAGUE
LOVE YOUR LEAGUE? DONATE TO YOUR STATE AND LOCAL LEAGUES TO SUPPORT OUR WORK
Donate to the operations fund of the state and local leagues:
Donate to the LWVAZ Education Fund; this donation is tax-deductible, and you can designate your donation for your local league.
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DONATE TO YOUR STATE AND LOCAL LEAGUES TO SUPPORT OUR WORK
Make a tax-deductible donation to theLWV of Arizona Education Fund—a 501(c)(3) organization—to support our civic engagement and educational programs.
LWVAZ ED FUND Your gift here directly funds state-level education initiatives Making Democracy Work.
You can also make a non-tax-deductible donation to theLWV of Arizona 501(c)(4)to support our advocacy, lobbying efforts, and actions that Empower Voters and Defend Democracy.
And don't forget to donate to your local League!Visit their website, accessible through the links on our homepage, to contribute to their community-driven efforts.
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