Arizona independent voters switch parties ahead of presidential primary election

PHOENIX — Independent voters in Arizona are changing their political party affiliation in masses, at least temporarily.

Arizona voting laws bar independents from casting a ballot in the presidential primary election. Currently, independents make up nearly one-third of the state’s voting population.

“If they want to participate in the primary on March 22, we are urging independents to consider changing their voter registration to one of the major parties,” Secretary of State Michelle Reagan said.

The majority of independents who have already changed their party affiliation are re-registering as Republican.

“We are trying to make it as easy as possible for them and to also let them know if they want to stay an independent that is fine too, but please know, don’t show up at the polls,” Reagan said.

According to Reagan, voters can switch back to no party affiliation after the March 22 primary if they would like to do so.

“If they wish to vote, (switching parties) is their right as a voter,” she said.

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