In Arizona, an important thing to know about our state’s Presidential Preference Election on March 19 is that only voters who are registered as Democrats or Republicans can vote in this election.
Sorry, independent voters. If you lived in Michigan or Washington – among U.S. states with open presidential primaries – you would have a say, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
For Arizonans, this means voters registered with the Libertarian Party, Green Party or No Labels Party, also cannot vote in the presidential preference election this month.
Now, here’s where it can get confusing (deep breath: we’ll break it down for you): The way independent and non-major party voters in Arizona are able to cast a ballot varies by the type of election being held. Unlike the Presidential Preference Election in March, all registered voters, including independents, can cast a ballot in state-level primary elections on July 30 and in the Nov. 5 general election.
Want a deeper dive into voting in Arizona’s Presidential Preference Election, including candidate info? Here’s a PDF of the Voter Education Guide published by the Arizona Clean Elections Commission. And here’s official information in English and Spanish from the Arizona Secretary of State.
Early voting has already begun. So if you want the quick review, Arizona Luminaria has answers to some frequently asked questions:
Do I have to register with a political party?
Yes, and the deadline to register to vote as a Democrat or a Republican in this election was Feb. 20.
One more time because voting shouldn’t be confusing: Can independents vote in the Presidential Preference Election in Arizona?
No. Arizona’s open primary law does not apply to the Presidential Preference Election, which is the primary to decide which presidential candidates will be on the ballot in November. The leading Democratic candidate is Joe Biden and the leading Republican candidate is Donald Trump — but there are many more candidates to choose from.
Later, all registered voters, including independents, can cast a vote for president on Nov. 5.
Can I switch parties between the Presidential Preference Election in March and the general election in November?
Yes, and you’ll need to do it by Oct. 7, which is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 5 General Election. Use ServiceArizona to update your voter registration.
How can I check my own voter registration details?
If you’re not sure whether you’re registered to vote, or if you want to check which address you’re registered with, or if you want to check whether you’re on the early voting list, you can use this tool.
What if this is my first time voting?
You needed to have registered to vote by Feb. 20 to participate in the Presidential Preference Election in March. Register to vote by Oct. 7 to participate in the general election in November.
What if I want to vote by mail?
Ballots were mailed to registered Democrats and Republicans on the early voting list on Feb. 21. You can also request a one-time early ballot by March 8 by contacting your county recorder. See details. Mail in your ballot by no later than March 12.
What if I want to vote in person?
You can vote early in person now through March 15 or on Election Day, March 19. Use this tool to find a polling place.
Important upcoming election 2024 dates
April 22: Last day to register to vote in May 21 local elections
July 1: Last day to register to vote in July 30 statewide primary election
Oct. 7: Last day to register to vote for Nov. 5 general election
Check the Arizona Secretary of State website for more voting dates and deadlines.
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