As many of you are aware, women fought for 80 years to gain the right to vote in the United States before being granted that right in 1920.

This is a big election year for Arizona and the United States so the Community Impact Council would like to encourage everyone to get out and exercise their right vote this year, beginning with our primary elections in Arizona on August 30, 2016.

Here, you will find fast facts regarding important dates, how to vote, how to obtain an early ballot, and information on the candidates running in Pima County, as well as candidates running for statewide and legislative positions.

IMPORTANT DATES: (Primary Election in Arizona)

Voter Registration Deadline for the Primary Election:
Monday, August 1, 2016

Early Voting Begins:
Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Last Day to Request an Early Ballot:
Friday, August 19, 2016

Mail in Your Early Ballot:
Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Primary Voting:
Tuesday, August 30, 2016

I missed the registration date to vote in the primaries, so now what??

You can STILL register to vote in the November General Election!  But you MUST complete registration paperwork by OCTOBER 10, 2016!  Register now and obtain more information here: https://www.rockthevote.com/get-informed/elections/state/arizona.html

HOW TO VOTE:

Voter Registration: The deadline to register to vote for the primaries was on  August 1, 2016.  However, if you need to update your registration please visit: www.servicearizona.com.  You may also obtain a paper form by contacting Citizens Clean Elections Commission toll free at 877-631-8891 or contact your County Recorder at https://www.recorder.pima.gov/

Early Voting:  You can register to have your ballot mailed to you if requested by Friday, August 19, 2016 or you may vote in person at an early voting location.  For early voting locations check the Pima County Recorder’s Office website at https://www.recorder.pima.gov/

If you are voting early by mail and are already on the Permanent Early Voting List, your ballot will automatically be mailed to you.  If you are registered Independent and on the Permanent Early Voting List, you must notify your County Recorder which partisan primary ballot you would like to receive.  If you are not on the Permanent Early Voting List, you can request a one-time early ballot by contacting your County Recorder no later than 5:00p.m., on August 19, 2016.

Independent Voters: You CAN vote in the Primary Election! You simply need to contact your County Recorder and let them know which ballot you would like to vote on, you DO NOT need to change your voter registration status. If you vote early by mail, request your partisan ballot through the County Recorder’s Office.  If you vote at the polls on Election Day, tell the poll worker which partisan ballot you wish to use.

Military & Overseas Voters: You have special rights under federal and state law, Uniformed & Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.  However, you may need to obtain a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot.  For more information please visit: www.azsos.gov/election/military.htm and https://www.fvap.gov/info/laws/uocava .

**PLEASE NOTE:  In primary elections, a person must vote for candidates within their registered parties.  If you are registered a Democrat, you may only vote for Democratic candidates.  If you are registered a Republican, you may only vote for Republican candidates.  If you are Green Party, you may only vote for Green Party candidates.  As noted above, if you are an Independent, you may only vote within one party of your choice. If you are a Libertarian, this party holds closed primaries so please check with your County Recorder to obtain a local, non-partisan ballot.

If you need to change your party affiliation so you can vote for the candidates that will best represent your views, please visit:  www.servicearizona.com or http://www.azsos.gov/elections/voting-election/register-vote-or-update-your-current-voter-information.

Happy Voting!