When you move, you spend hours transferring important
bills and information to your new address. One item that can get overlooked is
your voter registration.
Younger people and renters tend to vote in lower numbers.
I urge all eligible voters to get involved in the electoral process. As a
former councilman in Phoenix, I can tell your local and state elections impact
you most directly. Officials make decisions that affect you every day.
Register and vote early
Midnight, August 1 is the deadline for registering to
vote in the August 30 primary election. Update your voter registration if you
have moved or want to change your party affiliation.
It’s easy to register to vote online at
servicearizona.com, if you have an Arizona driver license or ID card. Click
“Begin/Update your Voter Registration.” The site will help you verify your
eligibility and update your information. You can request an early ballot.
Independent voters
Last March, Arizona elections made national and
international news during the presidential preference election. While there
were a variety of issues that combined to make lines long, one of the biggest
issues was a misunderstanding by voters over whether independents could
participate.
Independent voters who go to the polls on Election Day
will be given an option to choose a party ballot according to the Secretary of
State’s office.
City elections
Most city elections are nonpartisan and all voters can
participate, regardless of party affiliation. There are many around the state
in August.
Local and state elections impact us all. It’s so
important to participate and make your voice heard.