Arizona's Independent Voter

Greetings!

Hope everyone was able to partake in some Halloween festivities during the previous weekend. The ingenious creativity behind some of the costumes is always fun to witness. I considered going out, but due to pending assignments missed out. Oh well, next year. As the semester winds to an end, everything seems to be approaching simultaneously. Is this what graduate school entails?

Recently, the Morrison Institute funded a small-scale study examining Arizona's Independent Voters. The study revealed that the majority of Independent voters are white, male (52%), and college-educated (either completing an undergraduate degree or a Master's Degree +).  This data represents a small sample size, however it is intended to be representative of the total state population. As of 2014, this voter bloc (independent voters) has surpassed both registered Republicans and Democrats in overall numbers, totaling almost 35% of all voters. Nevertheless, while these individuals make up the largest proportion of voters; they tend to be the least likely to vote in party primaries.  As a consequence, their candidate of choice rarely appears on the ballot. This lack of voter turnout has much to do with feelings of discontent and frustration that independent voters undergo when casting a vote. Independent voters rarely fall under one particular political leaning - rather they are all over the map, ultra-conservative to the most liberal.

Each state has their own set of rules and regulations regarding primary elections, i.e. who may cast a vote. In Arizona, independent voters have the option of participating in either Republican or Democratic primaries. The primaries are critical for determining who ends up on the ballot (as previously mentioned), however an 11% voter turnout elucidates the lack of representative candidates to serve these potential voters. One thing to note is while independent voters are better informed than most when it comes to policies and ballot initiatives, many are unaware that they can participate in the primaries.

Independents are the most disenfranchised voters when it comes to the polls, and this holds true for all independents across the nation. When asked what would incentivize people to cast his/her vote, individuals stated having a viable third party choice. The traditional two party system does not favor these voters. When referring to previous elections, 1992 and 2004 kept recurring - due to the additional candidates on the ballot. Ross Perot's 1992 campaign showcased the growth in Independent voters, or rather how unsatisfied 19M + people were.

Interest groups vouching for the needs of Arizona Independents have been repeatedly pressing for a third party option. This would entice more voters to cast their ballot and hopefully act as a voice amongst Independents. The question remains how would the government implement such a change? Looking across the nation, the general trend indicates that growing numbers of individuals (approximately 43% according to a recent US Gallup Poll) are identifying as 'Independent.' Are these numbers an indication that the two party system is no longer appopropriate? I can only speculate, however if a majority of voters are disenfranchised - reforms may be needed.

This upcoming election should provide a deeper examination of how Independents feel with the two party system. Let's wait and see.