By Jordan Gerard | Arizona Capitol Times
- Key points:
- Arizona’s Request to Speak program has been modernized
- More than 110,000 user accounts have been created since 2015
- Program allows everyday people to weigh in on Arizona law
Ten years ago, Arizona modernized its Request to Speak program at the state capitol, allowing thousands of people to weigh in and address the Legislature.
Since 2015, a total of 110,807 user accounts have been created and 90,060 are active, the Arizona Capitol Times found after a data request. A total of 73,013 users made a Request to Speak or gave their position on proposed legislation in the last decade.
The system was digitized in 2015, replacing the paper slip method, in which people used to fill out a slip of paper, give it to the committee chair, and wait to speak. That system required them to be in person at the Capitol, which was often a disadvantage for Arizonans in rural communities. Now, people can file a position on a bill or sign up to speak during committee meetings from home, once their account is activated, in person at the state Capitol or at state offices in Tucson.
