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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[tags]Arizona Presidential Preference Election[/tags]
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Make your vote count everyone.
I thought all voting is from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm?
Are you SURE Independents can vote in the Arizona primary? Barry Young on KFYI this morning said they can’t…….
@Orlando – Polls are open in Arizona from 6am – 7pm. Could be different in Florida…
@Steven – I’m a big fan of KFYI and Barry Young, but I think he’s wrong on this one. From the Maricopa Recorder’s 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.
Whoops, please see the update in the post. Further research shows that Independents can NOT vote today…
Wow that is shady! To keep a group of voters from getting to voice their opinions is just wrong.
Jay thanks for all the information and the useful links. I’m still a little confused about what exactly a Presidential Preference Election is and I’ve never heard about it, but Google will help me figure it out.
It be nice if the people that didn’t vote – didn’t complain.
Jayson – in short, in Arizona “Primary” means “winner takes all” when it comes to delegates. In “Presidential Preference” the delegates are divvied up based on percentage of popular votes received.
At least that’s my (admittedly limited) understanding.
Bottom line is, if you want to vote for who you want your party’s nominee to be, this is the time to do it — no matter what they call it.