Don’t Forget to Vote Tuesday!

My civic duty is complete. I use mail-in ballots. While doing so takes away the opportunity to talk politics (and real estate) with the people in line, it is a huge time-saver. You can sign up for the “Permanent Early Voting List” and ballots will be automatically mailed to you 26 days prior to elections.

If you didn’t mail in your ballot, tomorrow is the day to hit the polls and vote in Arizona’s “Presidential Preference Election” (it’s not a primary, or a caucus – it’s a “Presidential Preference Election”. I’m not sure what the difference is…)

The Maricopa County Recorder has a nifty Polling Place Locator where you can punch in your address and it will tell you where your polling place is.

There are 24 candidates on each of the Republican and Democratic ballots. Extra credit to anyone who can name more than 5 on either ballot. (No cheating!)

Here is a sample Republican Party ballot.

Here is a sample Democratic Party ballot.

In Arizona, you can only vote for the party you are registered for. (Registered Independents can chose one ballot of a “recognized party” at the polling place.)

Important Update! Steven asked in a comment if I was sure Independents could vote in today’s Presidential Preference Election. I quoted from this from the Maricopa County Recorder Election FAQ:

8. I’m a registered Independent. Can I vote in the Primary Election?

Yes! Arizona is now an open primary state. Independents may vote for candidates of recognized parties in the Primary Election.

But here is the kicker — as previously stated, this isn’t a Primary Election, it is a “Presidential Preference” election. And here is this from the Arizona Daily Star:

Can everybody vote?

Those registered independent or “no party designated” must sit this one out. Arizona is not having a primary election. Arizona has a Presidential Preference Election. The voter-approved Arizona open primary law, which allows indies and those who did not designate a party to select a party in the primary, did not include the Presidential Preference Election.

There is bureaucracy at it’s finest… (that article also has a bit on the difference between a Primary and Presidential Preference election.)

If you aren’t registered to vote, too late. But do it now so you can join the fun next time.

I’m not about to tell you who to vote for, that’s an individual choice. But remember, if you don’t vote, you can’t complain!

Polls are open from 6:00am to 7:00pm. (Added: In Arizona, times may be different in other states)

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