Sec. of State Brewer Implements First Ever Virtual Town Hall Online

Features Live Video of Proponent & Opponent Arguments for all 2008 Ballot Measures

PHOENIX -- Secretary of State Jan Brewer today announced that Arizona's first ever “Virtual Town Hall” program is now available online on the Secretary of State's website at www.azsos.gov. This innovative new program includes a live streaming video feed broadcast of each individual ballot proposition, including statements from proponents and opponents of each measure.

The Virtual Town Hall is a direct effort by the Secretary of State's office to increase voter education and outreach so as to properly inform Arizona voters about the 2008 ballot measures. This is also the first time a Secretary of State Town Hall presentation has been captured on video to be aired on local cable broadcasts throughout the state.

“This new voter education system being introduced to Arizonan's today will allow more voters than ever to become educated about the ballot initiatives on their own schedule, using the medium that works best for them,” stated Secretary of State Jan Brewer.

In addition to the Virtual Town Hall program on the web, the Secretary of State's office is also conducting local Town Hall presentations this month at more than 20 locations throughout the state. Also, the 2008 Publicity Pamphlet – a printed voter guide of all ballot measures – was sent via mail to every household in Arizona with a registered voter.

“ Arizona continues to implement innovative and cutting-edge programs to improve elections, and I have every reason to believe that our new online town hall system will set a new standard of voter education for other states throughout the nation to follow,” stated Secretary Brewer. “Most importantly, I hope every Arizona voter takes advantage of this new educational program to become informed about the 2008 ballot measures.”

The Virtual Town Hall was created in a partnership between the Secretary of State's office, Cox Communication and the Maricopa Community College District. The original program was filmed at Phoenix Community College on September 23, 2008, in front of a live audience.

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