At the heart of American democracy is the basic right to vote. This treasured privilege has been earned through struggle and is the very foundation of our freedom.
It is the right on which all other rights hinge.
With a combined 40 years of military service, we stand alongside many other brave Americans devoted to upholding the principles of freedom and fairness. Beyond a history of service and love of country, as many as 6 in 10 veterans proudly call ourselves independent voters.
In Arizona, systemic barriers entrenched within our electoral system are designed to disenfranchise voters like us and prevent candidates who genuinely reflect our interests from getting on the ballot. These obstacles disproportionately complicate veterans’ ability to have a say in selecting the future commander-in-chief.
Requiring independent voters to re-register with a party simply so we can exercise our right to vote in elections we pay for contradicts the very act of disassociating from a party that no longer reflects our values.
Moreover, independent candidates are subjected to significantly higher signature requirements — up to six times more signatures than Republican or Democratic candidates — unfairly hindering their ability to qualify for the ballot.
Even if a candidate overcomes these hurdles their name will not appear on primary ballots, like R and D candidates, but instead will only appear on the general election ballot.
Veterans have sacrificed a great deal for us. Is it fair to deny them the freedoms enjoyed by the parties they don’t identify with and expect them to sacrifice more to participate in the primary elections their taxpayer dollars pay for?
How to loosen MAGA's grip:In Arizona's election
Our system should facilitate and make the opportunity to vote or run for office open to everyone.
Change requires courage.
But we’re all too familiar with the candidates that benefit from preserving status quo. The ones that prioritize party allegiance over what’s best for their country.
It’s time we put the nation’s interests above party politics and reignite the spirit of cooperation and teamwork that has historically fueled our country’s success.
The Make Elections Fair Act ensures every American can cast a vote that upholds their values without compromise by:
Our democracy thrives when every citizen’s voice is heard.
Let’s treat all voters and candidates equally. Join the fight for fair elections in Arizona.
Learn more at makeelectionsfairaz.com. Where to sign a petition: www.makeelectionsfairaz.com/signapetition.
Former Lt. Col. John Webster served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. Former Lt. Col. TJ Lindberg served in the U.S. Army from 1995 to 2015, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Reach them at john.a.webster@icloud.com and travis.j.lindberg@gmail.com; on X, formerly Twitter: @jawbeaver and @TravisLindberg7.
Arizona should stop punishing independent voters
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12.04.2024
At the heart of American democracy is the basic right to vote. This treasured privilege has been earned through struggle and is the very foundation of our freedom.
It is the right on which all other rights hinge.
With a combined 40 years of military service, we stand alongside many other brave Americans devoted to upholding the principles of freedom and fairness. Beyond a history of service and love of country, as many as 6 in 10 veterans proudly call ourselves independent voters.
In Arizona, systemic barriers entrenched within our electoral system are designed to disenfranchise voters like us and prevent candidates who genuinely reflect our interests from getting on the ballot. These obstacles disproportionately complicate veterans’ ability to........
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