Activist group sues to force open primaries

Posted by Danny Battista on November 14, 2018 at 8:05 AM

David Siders - November 14, 2018

Proponents of open primaries are mounting a new line of attack in their effort to weaken political parties’ grip on American elections.

The New York-based Open Primaries Education Fund, representing four voters in New Mexico, said it filed a lawsuit Tuesday arguing closed primaries — primary elections that limit participation to registered party members — constitute an illegal gift of public funds. Such primaries, they claim, benefit political parties while disenfranchising independent voters.

In Arizona, courting the independent vote requires a new playbook

Posted by Danny Battista on October 19, 2018 at 6:10 PM

Daniel Bush - October 19, 2018

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Tim Castro’s cellphone was blowing up. President Donald Trump had just mocked Christine Blasey Ford at a campaign rally, questioning her sexual assault allegation against Judge Brett Kavanaugh. It was early October, and Kavanaugh’s fate remained in doubt, the final Senate vote still days away.

Are independent voters being left out of city elections?

Posted by Danny Battista on March 26, 2018 at 2:09 PM

Jerod MacDonald-Evoy, The Republic | azcentral.com - March 26, 2019

Chandler voters will decide on city leaders this year, but some worry independent voters aren't getting a fair shake. 

Here's why:

Chandler and many other Arizona cities will hold elections in August that coincide with statewide primary races. To vote in the partisan state races, voters must decide whether they want a Republican or Democratic ballot. Independent voters on the early voting roster do not automatically get primary ballots sent to them like committed Republicans or Democratss. They must reach out to clarify which ballot they want.