As the United States gears up for another election season in 2024, the state of Arizona is bracing for some significant challenges. The Grand Canyon State has long been a political battleground, with a history of close elections and deeply divided opinions on a wide range of issues. But this time around, there are several critical issues facing Arizona residents that could shape the outcome of the 2024 elections and have a profound impact on the state’s future.

One of the most pressing issues facing Arizona is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite significant progress in the development and distribution of vaccines, the virus is still a major concern for many Arizonans. As of this writing, Arizona has experienced over 1.2 million cases and more than 24,000 deaths from COVID-19. With the Delta variant still causing spikes in cases and hospitalizations, the pandemic will undoubtedly be a top issue for voters in 2024. Candidates will need to outline their plans for continuing to manage the virus, including vaccination efforts, public health measures, and economic recovery.

Another critical issue facing Arizona is climate change. The state has experienced several extreme weather events in recent years, including droughts, wildfires, and record-breaking temperatures. As a result, many residents are concerned about the impact of climate change on their communities and their way of life. Candidates will need to address these concerns by proposing solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and protecting vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change.

Additionally, immigration is a perennial issue in Arizona politics, and it is likely to remain a contentious topic in the 2024 elections. Arizona has been at the forefront of the national debate on immigration for years, with controversial laws such as SB 1070, which required law enforcement to determine the immigration status of anyone they stopped or arrested. The issue of immigration is complex and multifaceted, but candidates will need to articulate their positions on issues such as border security, refugee resettlement, and the path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

Education is also likely to be a significant issue in the 2024 elections in Arizona. The state has struggled with underfunded schools and teacher shortages for years, leading to a decline in educational outcomes for students. Many Arizonans are passionate about improving education and investing in the state’s future, so candidates will need to address this issue by proposing solutions for increasing funding for schools, supporting teachers, and improving educational outcomes for all students.

Finally, the issue of voting rights is likely to be a hot topic in Arizona in the run-up to the 2024 elections. The state has a history of controversy surrounding its voting laws, with allegations of voter suppression and intimidation in recent years. With the Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold voting restrictions in Arizona, the issue of voting rights is likely to remain a divisive and highly contested issue in the state. Candidates will need to outline their positions on voting rights and propose solutions for ensuring that all eligible voters have access to the ballot box.

The 2024 elections in Arizona will be defined by a wide range of critical issues, including COVID-19, climate change, immigration, education, and voting rights. Candidates will need to address these issues head-on and propose bold solutions that resonate with voters across the state. As always, the outcome of the election will have a significant impact on the future of Arizona, so it is essential that voters engage with the issues, research the candidates, and make their voices heard at the ballot box.

Thank you

Natalie Hobbs – Scottsdale