ALRA OPPOSES JUNGLE PRIMARY VIA THE VOTER INFORMATION PAMPHLET‏

PRESS RELEASE
Arizona Latino Republican Association
PO Box 31514 l Mesa, Arizona l 85275
 PHONE: (480) 788-2572

ALRA has taken an early lead in the struggle to save our system of candidate evaluation and selection, from the ravages of the “jungle” or “top 2” primary system. Our first of many steps was the submission of a formal opinion to be included in the election information booklet that is sent to all voters in the state. Here is the text of the opinion we submitted.
“TOP 2” PRIMARY: HARMFUL TO THE FUTURE OF ARIZONA’S ELECTORAL PROCESS

If passed, the “Top 2” Primary will adversely and irreparably alter Arizona’s electoral process to the detriment of the citizens of our state.

It will limit choices. Under the current system, political parties are free to field as many candidates as they wish with the understanding that only one of them will proceed to the general election. Under the new system, only one candidate will be nominated for fear that support would be split preventing any of their candidates from making it to the general. This will effectively exclude a significant amount of potential candidates from seeking public office which will leave voters with fewer options when selecting their representatives.

It will hurt ethnic minorities. Under the current system, Arizona’s ethnic minority voters may join whatever party best represents their political leanings, thus assuring representation in the general election. Under the proposed system, minority voters will be at a disadvantage when trying to advance their candidate of choice to the top two. In Arizona, the effect will be an institutionalized suppression of Latino candidates and votes.

It will decrease voter turnout. As we saw the “Top 2” Primary dramatically reduce voter efficacy in California, it has been proven that this system yields a remarkably lower turnout. This makes logical sense as the first and second finishers are likely to have similar or even indiscernible political platforms. With no significant policy or philosophically based differences between the two candidates, the desire of voters to participate in the general election will be considerably diminished.

Respectfully submitted by: The Arizona Latino Republican Association (ALRA) Reymundo Jiménez Torres, President Jose N. Borrajero, Communications Director P O Box 31514, Mesa, AZ 85275 P O Box 31514, Mesa, AZ 85275 480-570-5818 602-402-5932