Major problems fester while Congress argues incessantly. Some leaders even argue we are a nation in decline. Others say trust in our institutions and each other is in the tank. No democracy can operate in the absence of basic trust and recognition that we are, in fact, interdependent as a society and a nation.
How can all of this be true at the same time? Where are the voices that can make a difference? While there is no single, simple answer, mobilizing the largest segment of voters in the Nation and a third of Arizona’s registered voters, Independents, may be a first grand step toward improving our governance. The movement to unlock their access to the ballot box has reached unprecedented levels. Arizona offers a prime example.
A vast array of grassroots organizations has emerged to provide political guardrails the parties are tearing down. Many focus on enabling independent minded voters to be honestly informed and welcomed at the ballot box, despite strong partisan resistance. AIVN is one such organization.
We are developing a network of independent minded voters in Arizona and seek to grow that Network as we head into the 2026 and 2028 elections. As a 501(h) non-profit, we may advocate for Independent candidates and productive legislation . With failure of the Make Elections Fair Arizona Act, historic challenges to informing and motivating Independent voters will remain. Still, we are focused on the part of this “sleeping giant” of Arizonans in districts where gerrymandering has not created an imbalance too steep to overcome. Meanwhile, leaders and organizations are rethinking strategies for breaking the barrier parties have erected against independent minded voters.
Now that you’re here, we welcome you to browse our website for more detail. Our Network will:
- Use every opportunity to share honest, accurate information, reflect common decency in our discourse, and respect those who serve Arizona on our behalf.
- Apply rigorous standards of accuracy regarding information we share, including material used in formulating timely opinion pieces.
- Promote increased turnout by voters with limited to devote to political matters.
- Function much like a cooperative to minimize organizational complexity and costs.
- Welcome a broad array of “networkers” who prefer leaders who respect diverse perspectives and are competent in the art of creative compromise.
- Encourage networker involvement in other aligned organizations to strengthen aggregate influence on our governance and public institutions.
- Consolidate insight from many sources, striving to serve the needs of voters who are not political activists, yet sometimes decide an election.
- Foster collaboration rather than control.
- Offer ideas for leadership improvement rather than demonize those who might see things differently.
If this list describes you, we have a place for you in our Network. Please visit this form on our home page, and become a force for responsible governance in our beautiful State. We urge you to respond to our two citizen oriented questions there and, by all means, let us know if you have any questions for us!
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