| ADVOCACY AND ACTION
Call to Action
February 15, 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. |
The League’s 106th Birthday!
The League of Women Voters marks 106 years of organizing, resisting, and defending democracy in moments when it has been under real threat. This is not a milestone for celebration, but a moment to ground ourselves in what this work has always required. To support Leagues in recognizing this moment, we’ve shared birthday graphics and language to use that reflect our history and reaffirm our enduring commitment to fight for democracy.
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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
|  | | LWVAZ Legislative Lobby Day | 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 starting with representatives from the Governor’s Office at 10:00 a.m. to kick off the event, followed by
remarks from legislative leaders, including Senate President Warren Petersen, Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan, and House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos. 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 here: https://linktr.ee/lwvazlunchandlearn
Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a required form.
You must complete this form so we can place the lunch order.
Lunch is provided at no cost to members. |  | |
LUNCH AND LEARN SESSIONS | February 22–28, 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 for Legislative Week events using this link: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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| In America, we believe that voters should choose our leaders—and what happens next is up to us.
Our elections are strongest when we show up, speak out, and refuse to be intimidated. Every voter deserves a fair shot, an equal vote, and the confidence that their voice truly matters. We decide our future. We choose our leaders. And we make our voices heard at the ballot box.
In addition to the SAVE Act, Congress has introduced two additional bills that propose slightly different—but equally harmful—versions of documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) requirements for voter registration and voting.
We urge everyone to contact their Members of Congress and tell them to vote NO on the SAVE Act and the MEGA Act. You can easily take action using this form:
👉 https://www.lwv.org/save-act
We also strongly encourage you to read “All Versions of the SAVE Act Threaten Our Freedom to Vote,” an excellent analysis by the Campaign Legal Center that clearly outlines the dangers these proposals pose to all voters, regardless of political affiliation.
Contact the Senators to hold the line and vote NO on the MEGA and SAVE ACT.
senators_phone_list.pdf |  | | | Legislative Calls to Action
RTS Now! | |
RTS Now!
Committee Hearings on Bills Week of February 16-20
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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READ A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF WHY LWVAZ SUPPORTS OR OPPOSES THESE BILLS
Detailed Call to Action information on the bills being heard in committee February 16 to February 20, 2026, is available here: https://bit.ly/LWVAZCTA. Your input matters—don't wait to make a difference!
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.
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 Democracy Needs You: Join the VOTE411 Team for 2026
Arizona Primaries will be held on July 21, 2026
New law moves the Arizona primaries to the second-to-last Tuesday in July. Previously, the primary was held on the first Tuesday in August.
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, and prepare unbiased pros and cons.
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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.
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This week, Congress continued to push the SAVE Act provisions. On Tuesday, the House Administration Committee held a hearing on the Make Elections Great Again (MEGA) Act and on Wednesday, the House advanced the SAVE Act 2.0 on the floor. Read LWVUS testimony on the MEGA Act and press release on the passage of the SAVE America Act.
League of Women Voters, Mormon Women for Ethical Government Move to Intervene in Lawsuit Challenging Utah’s Fair Congressional Map
Voting Rights Groups Sue to Protect Ohio Voters from Illegal Purges | League of Women Voters
Former Attorney General Eric Holder joined Nicole Wallace on “The Best People” and mentioned the League of Women Voters as an organization that is actively fighting for our democracy. Watch here. (8:25)
With immigration enforcement activity increasing in our communities, it can create fear, confusion, and barriers to participation in civic life. Leagues can now review our civic action toolkit on the League Management Site to learn how to show up safely, lawfully, and in solidarity during ICE activity.
LWVUS has a new blog post describing what’s happening with ICE and how to respond, including Know Your Rights information. Please feel free to share this with your networks!
No Kings Mobilization
LWVUS is joining No Kings as a national partner on Saturday, March 28. Leagues are welcome to lean in locally and participate in activations with partners on the ground in a nonpartisan manner. For Leagues who decide to mobilize for No Kings, please utilize our Protest Safety Guidance and Guidance for Leagues About Nonpartisanship and Partnerships.
Program Planning Survey Response Form Deadline is March 10th!
The online program planning survey form is now available for Leagues to use to submit their responses following their program planning meetings. Leagues can visit our Program Planning 2026-2028 LMS page for the link, additional resources, and webinar recording information.
LWVUS National Convention
The 2026 National Convention will take place June 25 through June 28 in Columbus, OH. Registration is now open! Attendees can find all relevant information on the Convention website here or by contacting events@lwv.org.
Bylaws Amendment Proposals Accepted Through Feb. 27
One of the many important business items at LWV’s National Convention is the review and possible amendment of the LWVUS Bylaws. The amendment proposal process is now open and closes on February 27. Visit the League Management Site to learn more about the submission process — watch the recorded presentation (passcode: 9.@sug4v), review current LWVUS Bylaws, and access the submission form. Questions can be directed to the Bylaws Committee at bylaws@lwv.org. | |
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.
| | Copyright © 2024 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ARIZONA, All rights reserved. | |