Sedona AZ (August 31, 2017) – Politically, are you more an Independent, rather than consistently red or blue? If so, The League of Women Voters Greater Verde Valley invites you to “Independents Day”, a forum for voters unaffiliated with any of the major parties in Arizona on Saturday, September 16, 2:00-4:00 pm at the Sedona Public Library, 3150 White Bear Rd, Sedona.
Everyone in attendance will have an opportunity to share thoughts on being an “independent” voter and how they express this political preference. Paul Friedman, League member and well known community leader, will facilitate the discussion. The program is free.
According to Barbara Litrell, President of the local League, “With voting rights being a major focus for the League of Women Voters, this gathering will explore why voters choose to be independent, what issues are important to them, and how they view and are affected by the election processes in Arizona.”
According to Gallup, in 2015, for the fifth consecutive year, at least 40% of U.S. adults identify as political independents. They outnumber the proportion of voters who affiliate with the Democratic (29%) and Republican (26%) party.
Here in Arizona, the Secretary of State’s website reports that the division among these groups is closer to one-third in each category (along with about 1% who are Libertarian, and even fewer who are registered Green Party).
However, according to pollster Michael O’Neill, Independents are “the least-engaged voters.” Independents don’t vote, he said, and they are largely absent from the elections where they could make the most difference: party primaries. The forum will also explore the question of why Independents may not be voting.
If you were to judge by political campaign debates, ads, and news reports, Independents might seem irrelevant in the political process. But they need not be. In fact, their impact may increase dramatically in coming elections. So if you’re already an Independent, considering becoming one, or just curious about this perspective on politics, join us for this lively and informative session.
If you plan to attend or have questions, please contact Barbara Litrell 649-0135 or blitrell@aol.com.