In the wake of the 2024 election, what can Arizona Independent minded voters do to improve the quality of our elected leaders and make our processes fairer and more representative?
Arizona Independent voters are at a disadvantage because voting rules are crafted by and benefit the Democratic and Republican Parties. Some dedicated citizens tried unsuccessfully to change that this year. Still, elections keep coming around every two years, and we aren’t going to give up on voters like you.
That is why we formed the Arizona Independent Voter’s Network (AIVN). It is a non-profit aimed at providing independent minded voters with accurate, concise information that isn’t run through the screen of partisan bias. And we invite you to join us! Learn more about the legislation and policies that affect our everyday lives. Become a contributing writer and/or social media presence and help us research and share information to help voters make wise choices at the ballot box.
Proposition 140, the “Make Elections Fair Arizona Act” Fails
One of our greatest disappointments this election season has been the failure of the Make Elections Fair Arizona Initiative. Proposition 140 would have given all voters more choice at the ballot box and would have removed the strangle-hold of the two-party system. Our Arizona legislature attempted to foil the Initiative by running a competing proposition to REQUIRE partisan primary elections. Primary elections are paid for by all taxpayers, but do not include the names of Independent candidates and require an extra step for Independent voters who must request either a Democratic or Republican ballot in order to participate. For Presidential Preference elections, independents must actually reregister with a party!
Early indications are that the move to make our elections fairer and elect leaders who are prepared to govern has not been abandoned. We don’t kid ourselves that another attempt to adopt non-partisan primaries will not face the same headwinds that defeated Proposition 140. But we have two more years in which to make the case to Arizona voters that this change is worthwhile and may produce a better quality of legislator than the current process. AIVN is ready to support such a worthy effort. We will share additional information as it becomes available.
Proposition 314, the “Secure the Border Act” Passes
First, a quick refresher. Donald Trump, during his 2024 campaign demanded that republican legislators torpedo a bipartisan immigration bill introduced earlier this year by Senator Sinema. The bill would have limited border crossings, funded additional resources for border patrol, moved asylum claims from the courts to the US Customs and Immigration Service, and given the president additional authorities to address illegal immigration. Trump stated that he didn’t want a Democratic “win” while he was campaigning to be President.
Following this cynical political move, the Arizona legislature produced Proposition 314; an unfunded mandate directing state and local police to take on the enforcement of immigration law in Arizona. This legislation is modeled after SB 4, a Texas law that is on hold while being challenged in court. Senate President Warren Petersen told the Arizona Capital Times that Arizona won’t need to enforce the new law now that Trump has been elected President. That is good news for Arizona taxpayers, who according to the Grand Canyon Institute could have been on the hook for about $325 million annually. It remains to be seen what the promised mass deportations will do to the economy here is Arizona and nationwide. But whatever the outcome, rest assured that this planned federal action will be disruptive in a way that we have not previously experienced.
AIVN Coordinates with Other Arizona Organizations to Promote Fair Voting Processes and Independent Minded Candidates
This political season saw the prominent emergence of new political parties seeking to offer voters more choice than the binary Democratic or Republican candidates that currently dominate our political landscape. No Labels worked hard to field a presidential candidate to challenge the unpopular Trump vs. Biden choice originally presented to voters. The Arizona Forward Party has been more focused upon building from the bottom up, with an emphasis on local elected offices. With Independent voter registrations making up roughly one-third of all Arizona registered voters, it seems clear that voters are dissatisfied with the choices they have been given of late. AIVN is committed to sharing information about alternative parties and Independent candidates so that voters have the information they need to make good decisions at the ballot box.
The 57th Arizona Legislature Convenes in January
It’s that time again. The 57th Arizona legislature will convene again in January, and it promises to be another challenging year with a GOP controlled House and Senate and a Democratic Governor in office. Last year Arizonans were treated to the political theater featuring Senator Jake Hoffman chairing the Committee on Director Nominations. For instance, that Committee quizzed the nominee for the Registrar of Contractors on subjects such as transgender athletes, antisemitism, border security and white nationalism. If you are wondering what any of these issues have to do with the Registrar of Contractors, you are in good company. Let’s hope that the new year brings a fresh perspective in which the legislature and the governor’s office work together for the benefit of Arizonans.
The 2026 Election is Just Around the Corner (sigh)
Over the last decade-plus, the country has been stuck in a loop – every four years the incumbent devotes time and energy to undoing the laws and policies enacted in the previous four years. This is really no way to run a country. We have real problems and challenges and deserve elected officials that have the willingness to roll up their sleeves and get to work for the common good. Independent voters can make a difference and can do so without devoting an enormous amount of time by focusing on a few key issues that matter.
Stay informed by joining AIVN. Learn about the issues that matter. Join with others to affect change and elect quality leaders committed to bettering the lives of Arizonans. We welcome you to participate at whatever level suits; reader, writer, and/or social media contributor. It’s a “big tent” and all are welcome!
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