 and labeling cartels terrorist organizations (Prop. 317).){kind=link}
Arizona voters have decided five of the eight propositions on the ballot. They rejected restrictions on DEI programs and backed a cap on food taxes and a measure to designate cartels as terrorist organizations.
Proposition 142 was a proposed constitutional amendment that would have restricted diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in public institutions. According to results as of Wednesday morning, 1,224,913 people (59.9%) voted against it and 818,941 (40.1%) voted in favor. The Associated Press called the proposition’s defeat on election night.
The amendment would have expanded the existing constitutional bans on preferential treatment and discrimination. Among other things, it would have covered race-based DEI requirements in public education, government hiring and public contracting. Critics argued that the discrimination supporters of the change want to prevent is already illegal under state and federal law. They also warned that Prop. 142 would have eliminated programs designed to counter existing prejudices.
Prop. 316 bars cities and towns from raising or introducing new food taxes until July 2027. After that date, a new tax or an increase will require voter approval, and the rate will not exceed 2%. Local governments whose current rate is higher than 2% will not be allowed to raise it. The state does not tax unprocessed food, but many municipalities do. Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa do not have such a tax. According to Tucson Spotlight data, 61.4% of voters backed Prop. 316.
Prop. 317, which designates drug cartels as terrorist organizations, also passed, according to the AP’s call. It was supported by 57.0% of voters. Voters also backed Prop. 319 (a ban on speed cameras, 61.1%) and Prop. 318 (restrictions in sports and restrooms based on biological sex, 58.9%).
Voters also rejected Prop. 144, a package of changes to election law (53.2% against), and Prop. 320, which concerns spending on classroom instruction (51.4% against). The results are not final, and the percentages are shifting as votes are counted. Three propositions remained too close to call.
Source: AZFamily
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