Two Controversial Ballot Measures Fight for Voter Approval

By Daniel Stefanski |

As voters gear up for November’s General Election, two ballot measures from the Arizona Legislature may face significant challenges. Recent data from Noble Predictive Insights (NPI) indicates that both Proposition 135 and Proposition 137 lack support among the electorate, with a substantial number of voters remaining undecided.

Proposition 135 aims to curtail the governor’s emergency powers, maintaining these powers only in cases of war, fire, or flood, and requiring a special legislative session if a petition from one-third of lawmakers is presented. The NPI poll reveals that only 29% of those surveyed support Prop 135, while 32% oppose it; 30% remain on the fence.

NPI’s Chief of Research, David Byler, noted the influence of recent events on voter sentiment. “Many conservatives haven’t forgotten COVID,” he stated, pointing to past lockdowns under a Democratic governor as a factor in the polarized opinions surrounding this measure.

The Arizona Legislature submitted Proposition 135 to the Secretary of State on June 13, 2023.

Proposition 137 proposes to eliminate judicial terms and the regular retention elections for justices and judges in Arizona’s larger counties, nullifying the outcomes of the upcoming 2024 elections for this judicial cohort. The poll results indicate a 31% approval rate for this measure, while 38% of respondents oppose it. Approximately 24% are undecided.

NPI Founder and CEO Mike Noble emphasized the critical role of undecided voters, stating, “While about 1 in 10 voters say they wouldn’t vote on Prop 135 or 137, the large shares of voters who are still unsure how they will vote on each measure will determine whether or not these measures pass come November.”

The Legislature referred Proposition 137 to the Secretary of State on June 13, 2024.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.