State practices involving race and ethnicity
Official title: Prohibition of Preferential Treatment and Discrimination
A Yes vote
Expand the constitutional restrictions on state practices involving race or ethnicity, including certain statements, education jobs and disciplinary practices.
A No vote
Keep the existing constitutional ban on state preferential treatment or discrimination based on race, ethnicity or other protected classes.
Details that matter
The proposal covers compelled support as a condition of education, employment or contracts; public education spending on specified positions; and different discipline based on race or ethnicity. It also restricts certain requests for DEI statements or discussions of racial experience. Exceptions include health services and legal reasons.
Read the official ballot wording
Arizona Secretary of State · Ballot language published August 19, 2026 · Page 2
Yes
A “yes” vote shall have the effect of amending the Arizona Constitution’s current prohibition against preferential treatment or discrimination by the state based on race, ethnicity, or other classes, to specifically prohibit: (1) compelling individuals to support preferential treatment or discrimination based on race or ethnicity as a condition of education, employment, or contract opportunities; (2) spending public money on positions in public education responsible for promoting preferential treatment or discrimination based on race or ethnicity; and (3) implementing disciplinary practices that treat students or employees differently based on race or ethnicity. Prohibited conduct includes requiring or asking an applicant, employee, student, or contractor to provide a statement in support of race-based diversity, equity, and inclusion beyond upholding the federal Equal Protection Clause or asking such a person to discuss the person’s race or ethnicity or experience with others’ race or ethnicity. The amendment contains certain exceptions for health services, legal, and other reasons.
No
A “no” vote shall have the effect of maintaining the current prohibition in the Arizona Constitution against preferential treatment or discrimination by the state based on race, ethnicity, or other classes.