Arizona Voices: Arizonans are more united than you think - it's time our elections reflected that

Arizona is often portrayed by the national press as a state consumed by political division and ideological extremes. If you’ve ever had an out-of-state friend or relative poke fun at Arizona politics, you know what I mean. But as someone who’s lived here for 22 years and leads an organization dedicated to understanding our shared public values, I know a different Arizona. We are a state of practical, solutions-oriented people who agree on more than we disagree. Yet, our politics often fail to reflect this reality.

One reason for this disconnect is Arizona’s partisan primary system, which fuels division and rewards extremism. When extreme factions dominate, they distort the system, sidelining voters -- including party-aligned Arizonans -- who value compromise and balanced policies. Though particularly affecting independents, this problem impacts all voters who feel underrepresented in the primary process.

That’s why Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) is endorsing Proposition 140, the Make Elections Fair initiative. This proposition would open up primaries to all Arizona voters, giving every voter -- regardless of party affiliation -- a voice in selecting candidates for the general election. This change is crucial in as many voters value collaboration, effective governance, and practical solutions over ideological rigidity.

Under the current system, the most ideologically driven voters are prioritized, leaving independents, moderates, and unaffiliated voters disillusioned. Many Arizonans are forced to choose between candidates who don’t represent their values or sit out the election entirely because they feel no candidate stands for them. Does this sound familiar to you or someone you know? By opening up the primary process, Proposition 140 would ensure that the interests of the many are no longer drowned out by the extremes.

The 2024 Arizona Voters’ Agenda, developed by CFA, provides a clear picture of what voters across Arizona want from their leaders. Strong majorities agree on key priorities like housing affordability, protecting natural resources, and improving educational opportunities. These are the issues that matter to communities across our state.

For example, rising housing costs, protecting the environment, and expanding education are key issues that impact residents' ability to thrive. Despite widespread agreement on these issues, many voters feel disconnected from the political process. Our current system rewards candidates who appeal to their party’s base, not the broader electorate. This means that the concerns of Arizonans — whether they are independents, Democrats, or Republicans — often go unheard.

The story of Arizona isn’t one of partisanship and division — it’s one of community, resilience, and people coming together to find solutions. Whether we’re talking about protecting our forests and water, expanding educational opportunities, or making housing more affordable, Arizonans are focused on practical solutions that work for everyone. We also want leaders at the Capitol, who make decisions impacting our communities, to do the same. Proposition 140 will help ensure that our elections reflect these shared priorities, instead of fanning the flames of extremism that have led to too much gridlock.

It’s no surprise that there is opposition to Proposition 140, especially from those who benefit from the current system. Change can be unsettling because it introduces unknowns. But it’s important to remember that change has always been a part of our nation’s history -- especially in our electoral processes. We didn’t always have primaries, and many groups were once excluded from voting. Change is how we’ve progressed toward a more inclusive and fair democracy.

The potential benefits far outweigh the purported limitations. While no single reform can perfect democracy, Proposition 140 is a meaningful step that will better incentivize candidates and parties to serve the broad interests of voters and lead to more representative outcomes. Every politician, regardless of party, should have to earn support from the majority in every election. That’s what open primaries move us toward — for all voters, including independents and party-affiliated Arizonans alike.

It’s time to modernize our primary system to make it more inclusive, responsive, and reflective of all Arizonans. That’s why CFA supports voting yes on Proposition 140. Our elections should reflect the true voice of Arizona’s voters, not a distorted version shaped by partisan extremes. And beware of Proposition 133 -- the legislature referred ballot initiative -- which seeks to place a constitutional ban on open primaries, stifling voter choice.

We can all play a leading role in this change. When we prioritize issues that matter -- like housing, education, and the environment -- over divisive narratives, we can build a better future for all. Let’s ensure that the Arizona of tomorrow reflects the voices of all Arizonans, not just the loudest few.

Sybil Francis, Ph.D., is chair, president & CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for our state.