We regularly encounter questions about our Network. These are the most common so far. We invite additional questions. Please use the form below to submit your question:

You will see reference to more detailed position papers on certain subjects on our website, where appropriate.

Why this Network? What problem are we trying to solve?

Arizona’s independent-minded voters have had no way of talking with each other. Others talk about us, often at us, but rarely with us. We have two communication glitches: 1) among ourselves and 2) with everyone else. Our Network responds to that need. See our position paper, A Solution, for details.

What is the Network’s Mission?

Our Network allows Arizona’s Independent Voters to communicate with each other. It uses a statewide “hub” website connected to localized “nodes,” offering focused networking opportunities. These “layers” operate at different scales: statewide, regional, countywide, community—whatever is needed.

Key ideas include:

• Communicating, motivating, facilitating, and acting, not controlling;
• Networking statewide and locally to respect our diverse needs and perspectives;
• Offering connectivity between independent-minded voters;
• Securing accuracy as the defining quality of our shared information;
• Empowering and amplifying the voices of Independent Voters in our governance; and
• Respecting the right of each voter to choose how he or she votes.

Let’s say the Network is successful. What does that vision look like?

Our vision is simple, but not easy:

We are the most accurately informed voter community in Arizona. Our Statewide Network also serves Independent Voters throughout our communities and regions.

If only a percentage of Arizona Independents hold that vision and act on it, we can be pivotal in even more elections than is already the case. This will become more critical as party animosity intensifies.

Why now?

Polling consistently indicates that around seventy percent of Americans think our nation is on the wrong track. Politics are violently dividing us. Arizona is not exempt. Independent Voters are already part of the solution, as these points demonstrate:

• Independent Voters have often made the difference in key elections—even without the kind of coordinating infrastructure owned by the Democratic and Republican parties.
• The long struggle by Independent Voters to have equal voting rights has a new energy and some states are now implementing creative election system reforms.
• The political wars leading to 2024 will make 2022 pale by comparison. If ever we needed a “leavening” influence, it is now. Accurately informed Independent Voters can help.

I am unclear about the meaning of “Independent Voter.” Who are we?

Independent Voters are citizens unaffiliated with a “recognized” political party. That effectively means the Democratic and Republican parties in Arizona. Our Network also welcomes party members who think independently and respect voters outside the party structure.

“Independent” is not a party. It is a mindset that reflects these beliefs:

• We are highly interdependent as a society and do not live solely in disconnected “silos.”
• Independent does not equate with isolation; it means thinking beyond arbitrary constraints.
• Increasingly narrow and toxic party tribalism is not providing the governance quality we need.
• Our elected leaders need to focus on solving problems, which transcend party identity.
• Reason and moderation are essential to best serve our diverse and complex society.
• Extremism is Constitutional as long as it is not violent, but it solves nothing.

Do I have to be registered as “other” (Arizona’s term for Independent Voters) to be part of this Network?

No. Anyone who considers himself/herself an independent thinker about voting is welcome. Many members of political parties vote outside of party lines even though they may generally prefer many party positions. See “mindset” under “Independent Voter,” above.

Why are you asking me for information about how I would like to be involved in the Network?

We will always need help by motivated individuals. You decide how much time and effort you wish to invest. There is no universal right answer. Your answer may change as your circumstances change. If you care enough to read this, it is likely that you might also have time and talent to contribute to the cause.

Look, I get the bit about better information and all, but I want action! How do I get that?

You get it by collaborating with others seeking the action you support. Except, you have the benefit of more accurate information and linkages to people you would never know about otherwise. This is the connectivity parties offer without the narrow control mentality they demand. You can join with local affiliates or even lead one, or join other organizations promoting the actions you support.
If you believe you already know everything you want to know, the Network isn’t for you. See our position paper, Communication 101, for more information.

Who decides how I should vote if I am part of the Network?

You do. Always. Neither the Network as a whole, nor anyone in it, has either standing or competence to tell you how to vote. How you vote is up to you, and you alone. We trust those in the Network to take advantage of sound, accurate information and vote wisely. The Network is a tool, not a straight jacket.

If I decide how to vote anyway, what’s the point of the Network?

The Network is a source of information to help clarify often conflicting and distorted information. The intent is to free us from the misinformation and disinformation so common from parties, candidates, and some media sources. This will enable us to use our voices with with greater effectiveness and credibility.

Can I join a party if I am part of the Network?

Absolutely. The Network in no way inhibits your right to join with any group you wish, including political parties. The Network has nothing to do with your voter registration; that is a matter for the County Recorder where you live. The process is governed by State law. You own your choice!

Where is the authority for creating the Network?

The Untied States Constitution. As part of “We the People…”, you have absolute right of association as long as that does not entail unlawful activities. The Network needs no one’s permission to exist; you need no one’s permission to be part of it. As an American citizen, you are a co-owner of the Constitution.

Do rules exist for being in the Network?

Yes, though we try to apply them lightly and rarely. A set of principles guide participation and set standards for our primary function, which is communicating accurate information. See these Position Papers for more detail: 1) Our Principles and 2) Communication 101.
A simple rule underlies all of this: propaganda is not welcome here; accuracy is the gold standard.

Who runs the Network?

The people who are part of it. A Network Central that evolved from its founders guides the Network’s policies and operations. A Communication Central operates the communication system. Think of this as a cooperative, in which participants invest whatever level of effort they can to a common purpose.

See Our Principles for more information. Who pays for all of this?

Our current “funding” is sweat equity by volunteers who are working to build the Network. That will continue, because this is an “active” versus “passive” enterprise. At some point, we will set up a means to accept donations. We do not currently envision a paid membership system.

Will the Network endorse candidates or propositions?

Not at this time. We presently function under the umbrella of independent voting.org, a New York non- profit that has promoted Independent voting rights for decades. We will eventually form an Arizona non- profit, probably as an educational enterprise. That will limit our ability to endorse specific candidates. It will not limit local affiliates or individuals who choose to do so. The specifics have yet to be worked out.

What if an individual in the Network becomes a candidate?

We hope that will happen—a lot! Why? Because we believe the people who are active in the Network will also be among our most well informed citizens. We trust they will largely be problem solvers in orientation. The Network is “not for sale” to candidates or campaigns—or anyone else.

Are people from outside of Arizona free to be part of the Network?

No. This Network is exclusively Arizonans. We appreciate words of support that may arise outside of Arizona, including the media. But this is an endeavor on behalf of Arizona’s 1.4 million registered Independent Voters and others who support independent thinking outside of party control. The Network belongs to us, not to any outside interests. That includes funding; we will pay our own way.

Are you connected with the two organizations working on election system changes here?

You are referring to Save Democracy Arizona and Voter Choice Arizona. We are not formally affiliated. We applaud the work they are doing and will thoroughly share their ideas when they are ready to propose initiatives for public consideration. Citizens in our Network are free to participate in these endeavors to whatever extent they wish. They are doing important work; so are they.

Are any other states experimenting with new ideas for improving elections and opening up better access for Independent Voters?

Absolutely. There are several, including California, Maine, Washington, and Alaska. Each is unique. Many cities are also experimenting with new systems. A lot of experience and learning is going on. We will endeavor to provide updates as they are available to inform our Networkers.

How do we deal with the lack of respect—the “invisibility” of Independent Voters in a system dominated by parties?

The old-fashioned way: by earning it. The best way to gain respect as a voting community is to establish and maintain the credibility that comes with effectiveness. This is a long game, building a reputation for empowering voters who prefer getting important things done rather than squandering time and money in the constant inter-party friction that consumes newsprint and social media clicks and accomplishes little.