Backers of Arizona primary change delay filing

PHOENIX — Supporters of a proposed ballot measure to change how Arizona
conducts its primary elections are postponing when they’ll file petitions to put
the issue before voters in November.

The supporters had planned to file petitions Tuesday, but spokesman Joe Yuhas
said the plan now is to file on Thursday. That’s the filing deadline for this
year’s general election.

Yuhas said the delay will allow supporters to collect voter signatures at
public events on Wednesday’s Independence Day holiday to build their margin for
error.

If voters approve the measure, Arizona would adopt a version of election
methods used by California and Washington state.

Instead of each party’s primary election winner advancing to the general
election ballot, the top two finishers in the primary election would compete in
November, regardless of party affiliation.