RAZE Releases Audio Ballot Guide in Four Languages Ahead of 2026 Midterm Election

The new “Listen to Your Ballot” audio series offers Arizona election information in English, Spanish, Navajo, and White Mtn. Apache, with individual recordings covering elected offices and ballot propositions. 

COOLIDGE, AZ - Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) has released 

Listen to Your Ballot, a free audio guide to Arizona's 2026 midterm election available in English, Spanish, Navajo, and White Mountain Apache. The guide covers elected offices and statewide ballot propositions in individual recordings, allowing listeners to navigate the ballot by topic and in their preferred language.

The project grew out of RAZE's work with rural communities and a question about how to make election information useful beyond another printed or digital guide.

In parts of rural Arizona, spoken language remains an important way families share information, particularly across generations. Some Indigenous elders are more comfortable listening in their Native language than reading it, while Spanish-speaking families may prefer conversations and spoken explanations over lengthy written materials. The project was also designed to bridge generational gaps, reaching elders who prefer listening in their spoken language and younger voters who can explore ballot topics through individual audio tracks and share them with family members.

Geography, internet access, and unfamiliar political terminology can create additional barriers to understanding election information. The podcast format also reflects changing habits in how people access information. According to a Pew Research Center study published in October 2026, 32% of U.S. adults get news from podcasts at least occasionally, including 31% of Hispanic adults and 22% of adults ages 65 and older. These findings highlight how podcasts have become a source of information across different generations and communities.

“We learned that reaching rural communities required us to think beyond another printed or digital voter guide. We needed something that could reach our families in ways that felt familiar. In many of our communities, especially among elders, information is shared through conversations and spoken language. That's what inspired this project,” said Antonio Ramirez, Political Director at RAZE. “Making election information something people can listen to, understand, and share with one another is part of the shared fabric of the cultures that make up rural Arizona communities.” 

Each language edition includes separate tracks explaining the responsibilities of elected officials and the statewide propositions appearing on Arizona's 2026 ballot. Listeners can hear the entire guide in sequence or select individual topics, including explanations the stand RAZE is taking on a few of its props. 

RAZE developed the recordings to complement existing voter education materials and provide another option for people who prefer listening, including elders and community members who primarily use spoken Indigenous languages or Spanish.

The guide is available free through RAZE's website and on podcast streaming platforms. Audio tracks are organized by language, and listeners can replay individual explanations or share recordings with family and community members.

“It was extremely important for us to think outside the box,” said Natali Fierros, Executive Director at RAZE. “This is a pivotal moment for democracy, and rural voters will absolutely make a difference in how Arizona moves forward. Ensuring we could reach voters in a language and format that would help them understand their ballot, make informed decisions, and recognize that their voices matter was always at the heart of this project."

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Access the audio guide:

Full Access to Guide: https://ruralarizona.us/audioguide

Listen directly on RAZE's website: https://raze.org/razethevote 

Narrator Bios + BTS: Access Here 

Language editions:

• English: http://raze.org/englishedition

• Spanish: ¡Escucha tu Boleta!:  https://www.raze.org/edicionespanol 

• Navajo (Diné Bizaad): https://www.raze.org/edicionespanol 

• White Mountain Apache: http://raze.org/apacheedition

Streaming platforms:

Spotify: Listen to Your Ballot | Navajo Playlist | Spanish Playlist | English Playlist | White Mtn. Apache Playlist

Apple Podcasts: Listen to Your Ballot

Buzzsprout: All Episodes

Learn more at raze.org/razethevote.

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About Rural Arizona Engagement

Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to civic education, community organizing, and strengthening participation across rural Arizona. RAZE works with rural communities to provide information, resources, and opportunities to engage in decisions affecting their communities.