Primary Election, Tuesday August 24th FAQ's

FROM: Center for Civic Participation

Please remember to vote in tomorrow's Primary Election, Tuesday, Aug. 24th. Polls open at 6am and close at 7pm. If you are in line by 7pm, you will be allowed to cast your vote.

Why does this election affect me?
This year Arizona voters will choose the Governor, a United States Senator, all 8 of our Representatives to the US Congress, one Senator and two Representatives from each District to the AZ Legislature, the AZ Attorney General, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. These elected officials will make decisions that affect every aspect of your life.

Why vote in the Primary Election?
Because some candidates for an office run unopposed in the General Election, the winner of that office is often determined by who wins the Primary Election for that office. Sometimes candidates are elected to office by less than 20% of the voters, because so few vote in the Primary Election. Your vote COUNTS.

I am not registered with any political party (I am an "independent"), can I still vote in the Primary Election?

YES! Non-party affiliated voters (“independents”) can vote in the Primary Election in the party of their choice, even if they are not registered in that party. When voting in person, just ask the poll worker for the party ballot of your choice even if you are not registered as a member of that party.

Where do I vote?
Polling places are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm on election day. Confirm your polling place location, by going to Maricopa County's Poll Finder site: http://recorder.maricopa.gov/web/elections.aspx

What I.D. do I need to vote?
You must present 1 form of I.D. (not expired) that shows your name, address and photo or 2 forms of I.D. that show your name and address. Acceptable picture I.D. is valid AZ driver´s license, AZ non-operating identification, passport, tribal I.D. other government issued I.D. Acceptable non-picture I.D. is utility bill, vehicle registration, current voter registration card, bank statement, Indian census card.

Who is running for office in my District (congressional and legislative)? What District am I in?
• If you live in Maricopa County, visit the County Recorder website and enter your address to learn what district you´re in. Find your district
• See a sample of what your ballot will look like (again, this is for Maricopa County) so you can research the candidates and races in which you´ll be voting.
• If you live outside of Maricopa County, visit the Arizona Secretary of State website, click on your county, and visit your county recorder´s website.

How do I find out where candidates stand on issues that are important to me?
• The Citizens Clean Elections 2010 Commission Candidate Statement Pamphlet contains brief explanations from each candidate about why they would like your vote.
• Horizon, the Channel 8/PBS public affairs show, has a great webpage that includes copies of their televised candidate debates.
• The Arizona Capitol Times has a new election coverage page (some links require registration) this year with information on all the races.
• The Arizona Republic asked all candidates to complete a questionnaire, and the answers of those who responded are posted online.

The primary election is Tuesday, August 24. Can I still vote by mail?
• If you have your early ballot already, don´t put it in the mail at this point - it may not arrive in time to be counted. Instead, bring your ballot to ANY polling place (in the county) on Election Day, Aug. 24.

What else can I do to help?
Please send this e-mail to your friends and family and encourage them to vote in the primary election, too. It´s our right and responsibility to elect the leaders who will turn civil talk into civic action!