Independents should be part of political calculus
In Arizona, when it comes to political parties, there is an increasing number of voters choosing neither the Democratic nor Republican Party, but instead defining themselves as PND, or “party not designated.”
Referred to as “independents,” does this mean that we don’t identify with any of the principles of the traditional parties?
Choosing to register as an independent is expressing a set of values. I registered as an independent because when I vote — whether it is for a candidate or a ballot measure — I make my choices based on the issues important to me, not on a party line.
Registering as an independent isn’t a strike against either party, but an individual commitment to issues over politics. And the growing number of voters who register as independents means that candidates ignore us at their peril.
In Arizona, there are 1.2 million of us who are registered independents, compared with 1.3 million Republicans and 1.1 million Democrats.
And while political candidates know that independents are a force to be reckoned with, far too many independents fail to use the power they have.
In the 2016 primary election, fewer than 1 in 10 Arizona independents voted.
Some didn’t know they could vote in the primary. Others may well have skipped the primary because they didn’t like any of the candidates. Or they simply didn’t make it a priority.
The irony is, while we are making a statement by choosing to be “independent” and we are growing in numbers, we are surrendering the opportunity to be heard and make an impact. Our potential as active participants in the electoral process remains largely untapped.
This election season, I strongly urge each one of my fellow independents to participate in the 2018 elections — in the Aug. 28 primary election and in the Nov. 6 general election.
Independents must first decide whether to vote in the Republican, Democratic or Green primary. Making this one-time decision will not affect your status as an independent.
Independents can vote in the primary on Aug. 28 at their polling place. For those who requested an early ballot (Friday was the deadline), it’s important to note that early ballots must be mailed back by Wednesday.
Even if you feel the choices aren’t ideal, by not voting, you in essence are voting.
A recent study “Arizona’s Voter Crisis” by the Morrison Institute at Arizona State University sounded an alarm on voter participation in our state, pointing out that Arizona ranks 43rd in the nation in voter turnout.
The poignant conclusion: “Voters don’t determine elections, non-voters do.” This is especially accurate when you look at voter turnout among Arizona independents.
We independents are a growing community and there is a responsibility that comes with our sheer numbers. It is meaningful to make a concerted effort to make decisions race by race, guided by personal principles instead of political lines.
We have made it a point to register as “party not designated.” But now we must make it a point to participate.
Mark Kimble has been a member of the Citizens Clean Elections Commission since 2015 and is a registered independent. Share your thoughts at ccec@azcleanelections.gov.