News Alert: Poll shows Arizonans want open, nonpartisan primaries

An overwhelming percentage of state voters believe the time has come for both open and nonpartisan primaries, according to a new poll.

The Morrison Institute-Knowledge Networks Poll measured how voters felt about a number of issues, including Arizona’s primary system. Results showed that three-quarters of Arizona voters favor a primary election in which the two candidates – regardless of party affiliation – who receive the largest number of votes face off in the general election. This change is favored across party lines and among all age groups.

“This survey shows there is significant dissatisfaction with at least some parts of Arizona’s current primary election process,” said David Daugherty, director of research at Morrison Institute.

More than six in 10 Arizona voters prefer open primaries with all candidates listed on the ballot but without party designation. Independents were most likely to prefer such a primary (71%), with Democrats the least favorable to the change (54%).

Presently, Arizona holds semi-open/closed party primaries. Republican voters are restricted to the Republican ballot, and Democrats are limited to the Democratic ballot. Candidates are divided by political affiliation, with the candidates receiving the most votes from their respective party facing off in the November general election.

Independents (those not aligned with or identified as a member of a major political party) can vote in Arizona primaries, however, only on a single ballot, such as either the Republican or Democrat contest.

Many independents find Arizona’s primary rules confusing and opt to miss the primary even though most of Arizona’s legislative districts are considered “safe districts,” meaning the primary often essentially determines the winner since the districts are either heavily Republican or heavily Democratic in voter registration.

According to the Arizona Indicators Panel survey, 86% of voters said Arizona should have an outright open primary, where anyone can vote for any candidate, regardless of political party. This change is favored by large majorities of all age groups and all political affiliations.

Findings in the survey are a statewide representative sample based on the responses of 614 Arizonans from July 16 through Aug. 6, as part of the Arizona Indicators Panel.

ABOUT THE SURVEY

The survey was conducted using the web-enabled KnowledgePanel®, a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. population. Initially, participants are chosen scientifically by a random selection of telephone numbers and residential addresses. Persons in selected households are then invited by telephone or by mail to participate in the web-enabled KnowledgePanel®.

For those who agree to participate, but do not already have Internet access, Knowledge Networks provides at no cost a laptop and ISP connection. People who already have computers and Internet service are permitted to participate using their own equipment. Panelists then receive unique log-in information for accessing surveys online, and then are sent emails  throughout each month inviting them to participate in research.

Knowledge Networks delivers quality and service to guide leaders in business, government, and academia – uniquely bringing scientifically valid research to the online space through its probability-based, online KnowledgePanel®. The company delivers unique study design, science, analysis, and panel maintenance, along with a commitment to close collaboration at every stage of the research process. Knowledge Networks leverages its expertise in brands, media, advertising, and public policy issues to provide insights that speak directly to clients’ most important concerns. For more information about Knowledge Networks, visit www.knowledgenetworks.com

ABOUT ARIZONA INDICATORS

Arizona Indicators, a project of Morrison Institute for Public Policy, is a community partnership supported by major sponsors Arizona State University and Arizona Community Foundation, and contributing sponsors Valley of the Sun United Way, The Arizona Republic, and Arizona Department of Commerce.

Morrison Institute for Public Policy is a leader in examining critical Arizona and regional issues, and is a catalyst for public dialogue. An Arizona State University resource, Morrison Institute uses nonpartisan research and communication outreach to help improve the state’s quality of life.

Learn more about Arizona’s primaries: State of Our State: Primaries

Find more Arizona Indicators data: ArizonaIndicators.org