The Anti-Racist’s Guide to the 2020 Maricopa County Primary Election

PhxSoul.com’s political team has developed The Anti-Racist’s Guide to the 2020 Local Primary Election to help residents of Maricopa County fix the utter lack of diversity in Arizona government.

This is an extremely important time for all people of voting age in America and especially in Arizona. We are dealing with crippling issues such as racism, police brutality and COVID-19! If you look at our local government, we don’t have many people of color who understand and support our needs. We must get focused on the local primary election so we can get people in office who will help people of color fix the societal ills that have been plaguing us for many years!

Please take the time to review our Guide and share with others before you vote!

THE ANTI-RACIST’S GUIDE TO THE 2020 LOCAL PRIMARY ELECTION
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA | August 4, 2020

STEP 1: REGISTER TO VOTE!!! DEADLINE: JULY 6

“Don’t boo, VOTE.” – President Barack Obama.

It only takes 5 minutes.

EVEN IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE REGISTERED, DOUBLE-CHECK

Consider the permanent early voting list (PEVL) so you automatically receive a ballot by mail. Otherwise, you have to request a ballot. Approximately 80 percent are on the PEVL.

Tell at least 10 people to register to vote. Check on your elders, this is a historic election year.

Request your Primary election ballot (if not on the PEVL) by July 24.

A primary election is an election to narrow down each party’s candidate for office. Only members of the party can vote in a primary, with the exception of Independents who can choose a party ballot.

The successful candidates will go on to compete in the General Election on November 3.

STEP 2: KNOW THE DEADLINES

You have no say if you miss the day

Get the Maricopa County Elections Calendar and track the dates

Upcoming Key Election Dates:

July 6: Voter registration deadline for the PRIMARY Election
July 8: Ballots mailed and in-person voting begins
July 24: Last day to request a ballot in the mail
July 25: Weekend voting available
July 29: Last day to mail back ballot
August 4: ELECTION DAY (PRIMARY)

STEP 3: FULFILL OUR COLLECTIVE MISSION

“Let’s prove to our ancestors that their efforts were not in vain.” ~ Beyonce

2020 election is a chance to fix the utter lack of diversity in Arizona government.

Arizona is approximately 40 percent people of color. Yet, Arizona elected officials are overwhelmingly white.

There are more people of color on the ballot than ever in recent history. Consider giving them your vote.

Do the candidates have diverse campaign teams? If they are the incumbent (currently in office), do the candidates have a diverse staff? Do not ignore this. This reflects how they will govern. When no one is at the table to speak up for all Arizonans, it does not happen.

Do the candidates proactively seek opportunities to engage with communities of color/LGBTQI?

Go to the Maricopa County Elections Department website and generate your sample ballot. Once you know who is on your ballot, RESEARCH THEM, follow on social media/websites, read articles, watch debates, lookup voting records. Does their record reflect Antiracism or racism?

Hold the candidates ACCOUNTABLE. DO NOT vote for candidates who do not meet the “anti-racist” definition. This is the ONLY way to change the system.

KEY LOCAL offices that need ANTI-racists in office:

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (controls the entire county and county budget)
Antiracist2020 picks for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors: Jevin Hodge (Dist. 1); Whitney Walker (Dist. 3 ); Steve Gallardo (Dist. 5)

County Attorney (decides whether to prosecute someone accused of a crime by a police)
Antiracist2020 pick for Maricopa County Attorney: Julie Gunnigle

County Sheriff (keeps the peace; runs the county jails)
Antiracist2020 pick for Maricopa County Sheriff: Paul Penzone (Joe Arpaio is running again)

County Recorder and Elections Department (administers elections; oversees the census maps)
Antiracist2020 pick for Maricopa County Recorder: Adrian Fontes

STEP 4: AMPLIFY YOUR POWER

Share this with 10 people / Post to your platforms (social media, text, call, email, mail, in-person)

ENDORSE your favorite candidates on your platforms

Join your local city and neighborhood organizations to increase your awareness and to exert influence

Sign up for your County Board of Supervisors agenda and meeting notices. PAY ATTENTION to what is on the agenda and show up and speak on topics that need your voice

Sign up for Next Door and community newsletters/magazines

Research and sign up for city committees

STEP 5: PARTICIPATE IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS

Circulate petitions for your favorite initiatives and candidates (paid)

Sign up to be a poll worker (paid)

Offer legal services to voters, candidates, campaigns (volunteer/paid)

DONATE MONEY to your favorite candidates. Campaigns cost big money and local races rarely get the big dollars.

STEP 6: VOTE

VOTE FOR ALL OFFICES ON THE BALLOT! Meaning, don’t just for President; vote LOCAL RACES!

Choose your voting method:
Early voting: you can vote by mail or vote in-person.
Election Day Voting: Find your polling location.
Things you need to know if you choose to vote in person at the polls.
Id at the polls: Identification is required when voting in person (early and election day).

Electioneering: it is illegal to express support for a candidate, initiative, or political party within 75 feet of a voting location. This distance will usually be marked by a sign at the polling locations. If you see electioneering occurring, notify an election official immediately.

Photos at the polls: it is illegal to take photo/video within 75 feet of a voting location. This includes photos inside the the voting booth. Voters are allowed to take photos/videos of their own ballot at a location outside the 75 foot line.

Voter Intimidation: The Arizona Elections Procedures Manual (p. 180) provides all the prohibited acts that are considered illegal voter intimidation.

Check in with 5 people to make sure they voted.

HELP OUT, WE NEED EACH OTHER!

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