What Do Arizona Voters Demand for Election Reform? We Found Out!

The discourse surrounding election reform in Arizona intensifies as key stakeholders prepare for potential ballot measures. Essential to this dialogue is the input from Arizona voters, which guides the ongoing conversation.

To this end, the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) conducted a nonpartisan public opinion survey to glean insights from voters on their preferences.

Here’s a summary of what the survey revealed:

Dr. Sybil Francis

Respondents were presented with two contrasting viewpoints regarding the timing of election results:

Voter A advocates for quicker election outcomes, suggesting an end to early ballot drop-off days before Election Day to facilitate faster results.

Conversely, Voter B emphasizes the importance of accessible voting for all citizens, proposing to maintain early ballot drop-off availability through Election Day, even if it means waiting longer for results.

Survey participants were asked which viewpoint aligns most closely with their opinion (Response options: Voter A, Voter B, Not sure).

The results were revealing: 69% of Arizona voters favored Voter B, supporting the continuation of early ballot drop-off through Election Day, despite the delay this could cause in final results. This preference was evident across party lines:

• 56% of Republicans
• 72% of independent and unaffiliated voters
• 82% of Democrats

On the other hand, 25% supported Voter A’s perspective, favoring faster election outcomes even at the expense of convenience:

• 38% of Republicans
• 21% of independent and unaffiliated voters
• 14% of Democrats

The survey suggests a significant preference among voters for the current rules, indicating a strong consensus against hasty changes that could compromise accessibility. Such agreement in a politically diverse state is noteworthy.

Voters seek practical solutions rather than forced dichotomies.

While many would welcome quicker election results, they emphasize that convenience must not be sacrificed. The conversation has often been simplified as a choice between speed and access, yet voters are clearly rejecting this framework.

The desire for convenience, particularly the ability to drop off ballots on Election Day, does not imply voters oppose faster results. Instead, they challenge the notion that achieving swifter outcomes must entail reduced accessibility.

Policymakers face the task of finding a balance. The pressing question is not which side to choose, but how to enhance the speed of result finalization while ensuring the ease and security that voters expect.

At the core of reform is the matter of trust.

CFA’s polling indicates that 70% of Arizonans believe democracy is under threat. Nevertheless, a majority, 58% to 34%, express trust in local election officials to conduct fair elections. Such trust is cultivated when voters feel their concerns are acknowledged and reflected in the decision-making process.

For nearly two decades, CFA has engaged with Arizonans through public opinion research. A recurring theme identified among diverse demographics is a commitment to civic engagement and a belief in a functioning democracy that serves all citizens, which includes securing a fair and accessible election process.

Beyond the timing of results, CFA research consistently uncovers broad support across party affiliations for various issues that matter to voters.

This signifies a common ground among Arizona voters on pressing concerns. While debates may arise over different issues, these fundamental priorities reveal a clear consensus.

Looking ahead, Arizonans express a desire for collaborative leadership. Two-thirds advocate for elected officials to engage in bipartisan efforts to resolve challenges, indicating a preference for pragmatic solutions over ideological conflicts.

This moment offers a unique opportunity. The data speaks volumes; voters have articulated their priorities. As the Legislature contemplates the next course of action — with the potential for a ballot measure — the essential question remains: will their voices be heard?

Sybil Francis, Ph.D., serves as chair, president, and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona, a dedicated organization committed to fostering unity among Arizonans for a prosperous future.