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Arizona’s 2026 Ballot: Understanding Propositions 317 and 318
By The Mohave Insider
Arizona voters will decide several statewide ballot propositions in the November 2026 General Election. While campaign graphics can summarize these measures in only a few words, understanding what voters are actually being asked to approve requires looking at the underlying legislation.
As part of The Mohave Insider’s voter-education series, we’re breaking down Proposition 317 and Proposition 318—what each measure would change, what a YES or NO vote means, and what voters should know before filling out their ballots.
According to the Arizona Legislative Council, Proposition 317 comes from HCR 2055 (2025) and Proposition 318 comes from HCR 2003 (2026).
Proposition 317: Drug Cartels and Terrorist Organizations
Proposition 317 asks Arizona voters whether the state should formally declare drug cartels to be terrorist organizations under Arizona law.
The measure defines a “drug cartel” as an ongoing formal or informal association whose members or associates engage individually or collectively in human smuggling, drug trafficking for profit, or acts of terrorism as defined by Arizona law.
What would Proposition 317 actually do?
If approved, Proposition 317 would require the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to use all lawful means available within its existing authority to address threats posed by drug cartels.
That wording is important. The proposition does not simply create a new criminal offense called “being a cartel member.” Instead, it establishes a state declaration that qualifying drug cartels are terrorist organizations and directs the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to act within its lawful authority against the threats they pose.
The proposed law defines a “threat” broadly as something designed to disturb, violate or cause harm to constitutional individual rights or to the public safety, health or general welfare of Arizonans.
What about immigration and asylum?
Proposition 317 contains another provision that can easily be overlooked in shorter ballot guides.
The measure specifically states that nothing in the proposition supports an alien's claim for asylum under federal law.
That distinction matters because asylum is governed primarily by federal immigration law. Proposition 317 is an Arizona state measure concerning how the state classifies drug cartels and directs its Department of Homeland Security.
What does a YES vote mean?
A YES vote supports declaring qualifying drug cartels terrorist organizations under Arizona law and directing the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to use the lawful authority available to it to address cartel threats.
A NO vote opposes the measure, meaning these changes would not become Arizona law through Proposition 317.
The question voters are deciding
Beyond the political debate surrounding border security, the actual ballot question is narrower: Should Arizona formally classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations and direct the state's Department of Homeland Security to address those organizations using its lawful authority?
Proposition 318: Interscholastic and Intramural Athletics
Proposition 318 deals with school athletics and biological sex.
The measure comes from HCR 2003 and is designated the “Protecting Girls' Sports in Arizona Act.” According to the Legislature's analysis, its provisions would begin January 1, 2027, if approved by voters.
What would Proposition 318 do?
Under the proposal, athletic associations sponsoring interscholastic or intramural sports would be required to designate sports based on the sex of participating athletes.
Arizona already has statutory requirements concerning the designation of certain school athletic teams. Proposition 318 would establish additional requirements governing athletic associations and participation beginning in 2027.
Locker rooms, restrooms and other private spaces
Proposition 318 isn't limited to who participates on an athletic team.
If a school or athletic association provides restrooms, locker rooms, shower rooms or other private spaces integral to athletic participation, the school or association could not authorize an individual to use one of those spaces if it is designated for a sex other than that individual's sex.
This portion of the proposition is specifically tied to athletic environments.
That is worth noting because Proposition 318 can be confused with other proposals involving bathrooms or school policies. The official reference title for Proposition 318 is “interscholastic; intramural athletics; biological sex.”
What happens if an athlete believes the law was violated?
The proposition also includes an enforcement mechanism.
An athlete who is deprived of an athletic opportunity or suffers qualifying harm could have a private cause of action against an athletic association that knowingly violates the requirements concerning the designation of athletic teams or sports based on sex.
In simpler terms, the measure would not rely solely on government enforcement. Under circumstances specified in the legislation, an affected athlete could potentially bring a civil lawsuit.
What does a YES vote mean?
A YES vote supports adopting the requirements contained in Proposition 318 regarding sex-based designation of interscholastic and intramural athletics, athletic participation, and certain private athletic facilities.
A NO vote opposes the proposition, meaning the additional requirements contained in Proposition 318 would not take effect.
Proposition 317 vs. Proposition 318
Although the two propositions appear next to each other on voter guides, they address completely different areas of Arizona law.
Proposition 317 concerns drug cartels, their classification as terrorist organizations and the responsibilities of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security.
Proposition 318 concerns biological sex in interscholastic and intramural athletics and associated athletic facilities.
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