Arizona's election results have just been certified, but some of the most consequential results were clear only a few hours after the polls closed. That night and in the days that followed, we witnessed historic victories and devastating affronts on civil rights and liberties in Arizona. No matter how prepared the ACLU of Arizona was for any combination of outcomes, it does not diminish the grief, worry, and anger we have felt alongside many across our state.
We are acutely aware of the harm that will come from a second Trump administration — not only from a racist and hateful policy agenda, but from the rhetoric that fuels it. Already, the same fear mongering that got him re-elected led to the passage of Proposition 314, an empty promise to voters that will not fix the broken immigration system. This divisive policy will instead incite the discrimination and harassment of immigrants, Latine communities, and people of color in Arizona. At a national level, the looming threat of mass deportations weighs on too many families in our state. We have no doubt that the results from this election will further embolden some state lawmakers and elected officials to threaten our fundamental rights and liberties, but we are ready to fight back.
Arizonans have been here before. We know how to organize for a better future, and we have overcome some of the most harmful attempts to erode our freedoms. Our win on Prop 139 points the way: together, through a people-powered campaign, we established a fundamental right to abortion in our state constitution. When everyone counted us out, we unified under the banner of freedom to uphold the basic principle that each of us has the right to make personal decisions about abortion without government interference. Voters also rejected legislative power grabs that threatened future voter-initiated ballot measures and judicial accountability — a reminder that Arizonans don’t willingly give up our rights.
The ACLU of Arizona, along with our local partners and ACLU colleagues across the country, are more prepared than ever to meet the moment. We hope you’ll stand with us.
The ACLU of Arizona’s mission to advance and protect the civil rights and liberties of all Arizonans will be tested in the coming years – but we are doubling down. Our team of policy, legal, organizing, and communications experts are charting a course for the difficult path ahead. We are working closely with local community groups, national partners, and our ACLU colleagues across the country to protect the rights of people who face the brunt of the forthcoming administration's dangerous rhetoric. We are holding space for our supporters and volunteers who are ready to take action. When you’re ready to get involved, there is a place for you in this effort, too.
CONNECT WITH ACLU OF ARIZONA’S COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS TO VOLUNTEER
I believe in our collective power. Together, I know we can fend off the worst attacks against Arizonans’ right to dissent and speak freely, to have an equal say in our democracy, to access essential abortion and gender affirming care, and to live without discrimination. Now more than ever, we invite you to join us.