Sam Crump

The meeting began with a call to order, followed by the approval of the January 29, 2026 meeting minutes. Key discussions included an update on the ongoing litigation Montenegro v. Fontes regarding the Legislature's challenge to Proposition 211, where one portion was declared unconstitutional but the remainder of the claims were rejected. The Executive Director reported on changes to the primary election date, leading to adjustments in candidate qualifying and filing periods. Significant focus was placed on active voter education outreach events and the ongoing development of multiple versions of the Voter Guide. The Commission discussed the potential probable cause finding in MUR 25-03 concerning Monica Timberlake, ultimately agreeing to postpone the decision until the next month to allow her an opportunity to respond due to a medical appointment. A session was held in executive session to discuss the ongoing litigation between the Clean Elections Commission and the Secretary of State, Fontes. Further discussions addressed 2026 election legislation, including bills concerning the Independent Party, and a proposed amendment to Rule R2-20-113 to update language regarding the Voter Education Guide to include County candidates. Finally, the Commission approved the 2025 annual report for final distribution and recognized Renaldo Fowler for his extensive contributions to disability advocacy and election access in Arizona.

The Commission meeting agenda included discussion and possible action on the minutes from the January 29, 2026 meeting. Key discussion items involved the Executive Director's Report, which covered updates on elections, enforcement, regulatory matters, and legislative updates concerning bills like H.B. 2022 and S.B. 1687. Further action items included discussion on a probable cause finding in MUR 25-03 involving Monica Timberlake, and litigation matters in Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Comm'n v. Fontes. The agenda also called for action on the Amendment to Administrative Rule R2-20 113 regarding the Voter Education Guide and the 2025 Annual Report. A significant portion of the subsequent proceedings covered the 2026 voter education plan, detailing 2025 performance metrics across paid media, social media, editorial placements, podcast engagement, and website analytics, emphasizing a shift toward building voter capacity over time and reaching rural areas. Additionally, the commission addressed penalties in MUR 25-01 against Hector Jaramillo for failing to file timely reports and comply with audit obligations.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from two previous meetings held in December 2025. The Executive Director's Report covered updates on the election calendar, highlighting upcoming local elections in March, voter education outreach achievements from 2025 including the Civics Matters Summit and partnerships with ASU for focus groups on Gen Z voters, and planning for the Election Science, Reform, and Administration Conference. Legal updates included pending Appellate Court decisions on Proposition 211 and arguments related to the legislative leadership's case against the Prop 211 Act. The commission also addressed penalties in MUR 25-01 concerning a 2024 candidate, Hector Jaramillo, for failing to file timely reports and comply with audit obligations. Finally, a presentation reviewed the 2025 voter education performance, detailing metrics from paid media campaigns, social media engagement, editorial placements, podcast performance, and website traffic across numerous 2025 elections, before outlining the strategic framework for the 2026 voter education plan.

The meeting agenda included several key items. The Executive Director provided an update on ongoing litigation, specifically a ruling in the case of Montenegro vantes regarding the legislature's challenge to Proposition 211, noting that a portion of the act was deemed unconstitutional but Prop 211 continues to be enforced pending further challenges. The commission deferred action on a probable cause matter concerning Monica Timberlake to allow the candidate another opportunity to appear. Discussions also covered the impact of recent legislative changes affecting primary and filing dates for clean candidates, ongoing voter education outreach efforts, and plans for producing multiple versions of the voter guide. Finally, the commission voted to publish a proposed amendment to rule R2-20-113 for public comment to update language regarding the voter education guide to include county candidates and formalize existing practices, such as including photographs.

The meeting commenced with the official call to order and attendance confirmation. Key agenda items included the discussion and subsequent unanimous approval of the minutes from the December 11th, 2025, and December 22nd, 2025 meetings. The Executive Director provided a comprehensive report covering election calendar updates for upcoming local elections in March, voter education outreach activities such as participation in the Civics Matters Summit, and ongoing projects with ASU focusing on Gen Z voters. The report also detailed the status of legal matters concerning Proposition 211, noting oral arguments before the Spirit Court and awaiting appellate court decisions. Furthermore, the Commission discussed potential collaboration with ASU's Mechanics of Democracy Lab for an election science conference. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussion and possible action on penalties in MUR25-01 against participating candidate Hector Heramo for failure to file timely reports and comply with audit obligations. The Director recommended a specific civil penalty, emphasizing accountability and the integrity of public financing, while noting that the respondent did not appear for the hearing.