Primary Elections on Here and Now

August 09, 2006

Democratic campaign consultant Bob Grossfeld and Republican strategist Wes Gullett discuss various election topics on Here and Now.

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( Phoenix, AZ ) Here and Now looks at the impact of open primaries as well as how publicly financed campaigns have evened the playing field for some aspiring politicians.

A number of factors make the primary election in Arizona more important for candidates running for state and federal office. Low voter turnout and mail in ballots are just a couple reasons why the primary election is usually more significant than the general election. Here and Now examines why many candidates don’t want more people voting in primary elections and how mail-in ballots have changed how people run for office. Arizona is one of a handful of states where independents can vote in either the republican or democratic primary. The program will look at the impact of open primaries as well as how publicly financed campaigns have evened the playing field for some aspiring politicians. Here and Now will also preview a host of competitive state and federal races including: both republican and democrat races for congressional district 8; the republican gubernatorial primary, and republican races in legislative districts 6, 7 and 8.

Voter Registration Numbers

Republicans led the state with 40% or registered voters in 2004 followed by Democrats with 35% and Independents, 24%. Both Republican (-5%) and Democrats (-5%) have lost percentages of voters who are now registered as Independent or other party voters (+10%) since 1998.

Primary Election	Republican	Democratic	Libertarian	Independent, Other party	Total
2004	976,280 -- 40%	856,075 -- 35%	17,429 -- 1%	590,360 -- 24%	2,440,144
2002	930,125 -- 42%	798,375 -- 36%	14,119 -- 1%	464,831 -- 21%	2,207,450
2000	905,205 -- 44%	797,090 -- 39%	12425 -- 1%	327,742 -- 16%	2,042,462 --
1998	1,001,184 -- 45%	904,149 -- 40%	17,291 -- 1%	316,452 -- 14%	2,239,076

Source: Arizona Secretary of State’s office

Open Primary Numbers

The number of registered voters who participated in primary elections increased by 20% when independent voters were allowed to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primaries thanks to the passage of Open Primaries by voters in 1998. Here's a look at the breakdown of registered voters and how many people voted in the last two primaries involving statewide candidates.

	Republican	Democrat	Libertarian	Independent Other Party	Total
Registered for 2002 primary	930,125	796,375	14,119	464,831	2,207,450
Voted in 2002 primary	320,090 -- 34%	234,064 -- 29%	3,263 -- 23%	NA	557,437 -- 25%
Registered for 1998 primary	1,000,229	903,332	17,279		1,921,565
Voted in 1998 primary	239,703 -- 29%	136,282 -- 15%	1,734 -- 10%	NA	377,855 -- 20% --

Source: Arizona Secretary of State’s Office

Voter Registration

Arizona citizens can register to vote three different ways: online (if you have an Arizona driver’s license or ID issued after October 1, 1996); by mail, and in person. Click on the link below for online service, registration forms, and locations to register in person.

August 14: Last Day to Register for Primary Election

Monday August 14 is the last day for Maricopa County citizens to register to vote in the September 12 primary. If mailed, registration forms must be postmarked no later than midnight, August 14. Registration forms can also be filled out and/or dropped off at many valley wide locations. Registration materials received after midnight will not be accepted for the primary election. The deadline also applies to voters who wish to change their political party. The County Recorder, along with elections staff, will be at the Recorder’s Southeast Complex office to accept completed forms and offer assistance to citizens who may have questions on the requirements for registering to vote. The Maricopa County STAR Call Center (602/506-1511) will remain open until midnight to assist with any voter questions. In addition to the call center, citizens can go to the County Recorder’s website.

Early Voting

Early voting begins August 10 and ends September 8. The last day to request an early ballot is September 1. More information on early voting can be found at the link below.

Request Early Ballot

ID Required to Vote at Polls

On November 2, 2004, the voters passed into law Proposition 200, which requires voters who vote at the polls to present one form of identification that bears the name, address and photograph of the voter or two different forms of identification that bear the name and address of the elector before receiving a ballot.

Complete information can be found at the Arizona Secretary of State's web site under Proof of Voter ID.

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