ATTENTION INDEPENDENT VOTERS!
As part of LAMA’s 2024 priorities, we are working to make sure that as many people as possible are able to exercise their right to vote!
Did you know that more than 1/3 of Arizona’s registered voters are not registered with a political party? In our state, the predominant party is no party at all.
This creates a unique dynamic in our state. Currently, independent voters are not able to vote in the presidential preference election. Independents are able to request a specific partisan ballot for state primary elections, but are not able to participate in the process that selects the two major presidential candidates. This means that more than a third of Arizona’s voters are locked out of an essential part of the presidential election process: the candidates who win nomination from the two major parties dominate the political conversation and the choice for commander in chief, and it is troubling that so many voters in our state are not able to have a voice in that choice.
There is legislation expected that could change this process in Arizona (stay tuned to learn more about the push for open primaries!). Until then, we at LAMA are encouraging all our friends who are registered Independents to participate in the March 19th Presidential Preference Election.
We deeply value everyone who approaches politics from a non-partisan, engaged, independent perspective, and yours are the voices that are especially needed in this decision making process. Until Arizona adopts an open presidential primary system, we encourage you to register with one of the two major political parties in time for the Presidential Primary Election in March, so that you may participate. This change only needs to be temporary— as soon as you cast your ballot, we encourage you to change your registration back to Independent.
We know that this is not an ideal way to participate in an election, and LAMA is not suggesting this as a solution to the restrictions around presidential candidacy selection. Rather, as we work towards making this election fair and accessible, we want to encourage as many voters as possible to participate in the process anyway!
In order to access the ballot you want, party registration must be complete 29 days before the election. In order to participate in the march 19, 2024 Presidential Preference Election, you must register with a political party by February 20, 2024.
Click the button below to check your registration now!
