Arizona Independent Voter’s Network
A Solution
Our Arizona Independent Voter’s Network is part of the solution. What’s the problem?
In a Nutshell: 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 is an answer. It is not just a system of linkages; it is a new culture and mind-set that bind concerned citizens together without trampling their individuality.
We Matter. We are told in the news media that, in Arizona’s close elections, those “mysterious” Independent Voters will make the difference. Quite so. That isn’t going away. One reason is that many voters are joining the Independent ranks because of disdain for increased party extremism.
What Respect? We complain about not being respected. Some reasons: 1) we don’t consistently show up to vote; 2) we are locked in a political culture hooked on parties; 3) the two major parties force rules on us they don’t impose on themselves; and 4) lack of organized involvement in elections.
- There are 1.4 million of us in Arizona. One third of registered voters—and growing!
We intentionally choose to be “independent.” We don’t want someone (including each other) telling us what to think or who we must vote for. We don’t need anyone’s permission to choose this path. What we do need is a way to walk that path more effectively. That means learning from each other and staying informed. There has been no way to do that. Now there will be.
Enter: a Network just for us. Think of it as the interactive slice of a party with the party stripped away. Our Network respects individual voters, helps each one become more informed, and relentlessly accepts how individuals choose to vote. In effect, we are talking about a cooperative voting community.
The foundation of our democratic republic is the “consent of the governed.” That is blatantly violated when a third of us have to jump through hoops we didn’t make just to vote! Our Network is designed to bring independent-minded voters out of the shadows and into visibility as first class voters, not second-class citizens. This is a permanent fixture, folks.
Trust is the glue that will hold us together. Control (how is that working for the parties these days?) is a non-starter for us. Yes, we will have to maintain some self-discipline to avoid acting like a bunch of stray cats. We will figure that out among ourselves. The quality of our communication with each other will be the test. Constant attention, constant learning, constant improvement.
Recap: Let’s learn to talk with each other and soon the world will be interested in talking with us. That seems like a fair trade-off, don’t you think?
We believe that the vast majority of AZ Independents will vote wisely—
IF they are provided honest information and are motivated to vote.
Richard Sinclair, Chief Networker and co-founder
Our Network Mission
Our Mission will be achieved by its inherent merits because there is a huge pent-up demand for it. Our job is to spread spread the message Statewide, regionally, and locally according to the scale of the issue needing attention. Timing is critical as we lead up to the 2024 elections.
By means of a robust website, social media presence, and rigorous accuracy in the information we share, we will empower Arizona’s Independent Voters to have an even greater impact on elections than they already do. You need only be independent-minded to be part of our Network.
We are driven by five key frustrations within the Independent Voter community:
- Governmental gridlock and relentless party warfare;
- Widely understood issues not getting the attention they deserve;
- Waste of time, money, and resources on fringe issues;
- Disrespect for our citizens and institutions; and
- A culture of distrust that poisons our civic space.
We are listening to frustrated voters and these are some things we hear:
- Critical problems must be dealt with through compromise. We know what those problems are.
- “Gotcha” politics just leads to inaction and that is no longer acceptable.
- If the people qualify an initiative, let it be voted on by them without legislative interference.
- Younger voters—our future—are losing faith in our governance. We can’t let that continue.
- We need candidates who will break from party rule if needed. And it often is.
- Arbitrary obstacles to voting by Independent Voters and Candidates must be removed.
Our Network is a self-help community of voters who are currently ignored, insist on being heard, choose to be armed with accurate information, and will find ways to make a difference. We invite citizens who recognize the need and the potential in our movement to join us!
Start by using this website to find out more about how you can become a force for responsive governance in Arizona. If you wish to “dig deeper” into any of the points above, this is the place to start. If you have questions.
The most important political office is that of citizen.
Louis Brandeis
