The pivotal midterm elections took place at various polling locations throughout the downtown Phoenix area on Tuesday. Arizona received special attention on the national stage in this year’s midterm race, partially for its role in helping determine the Senate majority, which is currently dominated by Republicans 17-13.
The Burton Barr Library and the Salvation Army Phoenix Citadel Corp were two popular downtown polling locations attracting voters from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All of Arizona’s executive offices were up for reelection, including the nine seats Arizona holds in the House of Representatives and a seat on the U.S. Senate.
Small issues matter
Despite the focus on national politics and broader issues like immigration, many downtown residents were spurred to come to to the polls to vote on Proposition 127, which would force electrical companies to use renewable resources for half of their energy by 2030.
Many of those asked said that local politics were important and some even said that local politics were more important than national politics.
Molly Cashion has lived in downtown Phoenix for almost five years and cast her vote at the Burton Barr Central Library. On this year’s ballot, Prop 127 was of significant importance to her. At the Salvation Army polling center, fellow downtowner Jason Thornock specifically voted no on Prop 127.
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Ain’t no mountain
In addition to specific issues this year’s ballot administered, voters took on the polls with an increased attitude of civic responsibility.
As she does not own a car, Isabel Bazurto took a taxi from her home off of Roosevelt Street to the Salvation Army polling center, and then took the bus back home. Despite the commute, Bazurto makes an effort to cast her vote at every election.
“[I vote] because I have to be a good citizen, and I think I am. I have to make an effort,” Bazurto said.
And volunteers at the polls, like Blanche Wiggins, felt it was their civic duty to help people understand the process since long lines and technical hiccups often plague election days.
“The thing is to get through it peacefully and pleasantly as possible…My mindset was to make the voting experience as easy as possible for those who took the time to do their civic duty,” Wiggins said.
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Young turnout
Of the 13 hours the Salvation Army polling facility was open, Wiggins noticed a large turnout of young voters.
“I really am very proud of the young people who showed up to cast their ballots, who finally rose to the top,” Wiggins said. “It was beautiful to see that the torch was effectively passed to the next generation.”
Although she has volunteered at many polling stations, this election was Wiggins’ first in Arizona.
“Arizona politics are changing, and I think people are starting to use more commonsense and kick out a lot of the nonsense that’s involved in politics,” Wiggins said. “I’m just excited to be a part of Arizona’s future”
Arizona received strong voter turnouts throughout the state, but Wiggins cited one main reason why so many people showed up to voice their opinion Tuesday.
“I think people are just sick and tired of being sick and tired,” she said.
Sam Leal contributed to audio used in this story.
Contact the reporters at nludden@asu.edu, kvedanta@asu.edu and mbwillis@asu.edu.
