2020 Vote TechSmart Guide endorses pro-tech candidates

The Council’s Voting Guide provides a comprehensive review of selected candidates and why supporting technology matters

On the heels of its 2020 Arizona legislative endorsements, the Arizona Technology Council announced the release of its biennial 2020 Vote TechSmart voter’s guide. The guide assigns a letter grade (A – F) to each candidate in the state’s 30 legislative districts. The Council backs only those candidates who support a technology agenda, so some races may have no recommendations. A printed copy of the guide is currently being shipped to Council partners and member organizations, and a digital version is available immediately at www.aztechcouncil.org/vote_techsmart.

“Because the technology industry plays such a critical role in Arizona’s economy, it’s important to give our members and the community-at-large the information they need to make informed choices,” said Steven G. Zylstra, Arizona Technology Council president and CEO. “The Vote TechSmart guide is a critical resource that will help educate our members for the upcoming election. Elections are an important time to work to ensure the success of candidates who support enhancing Arizona’s standing as a technology center and help make it a place where not only large corporations, but also startups, are able to start, grow and thrive here.”

In an effort to provide complete transparency, the guide features a detailed overview of the review process by the Council’s Public Policy Committee followed by an in-depth explanation of the endorsements. The support for the candidates is based on several factors, including the most recent two-year voting records of incumbents, written responses to a survey and thorough interviews of new candidates.

The voting guide also includes a summary of the state’s 2020 public policy efforts, which include:

• Expanding access to investment capital
• Supporting tax policy to incent research and development investments
• Advocating for enhanced technology infrastructure
• Improving Arizona’s public education system from pre-kindergarten through postsecondary with technology-based and blended learning.

To stay current on politics and policies affecting the state’s technology industry, visit the Technology Advocacy and Public Policy page on the Council’s website at aztechcouncil.org/promoting-public-policy.  

About the Arizona Technology Council
The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies. Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, visionaries and community members to make an impact on the technology industry. These interactions contribute to the Council’s culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org.