Let’s build an Arizona that represents all of us

Are you tired of hearing from friends and family across the country who delight in mocking Arizona politics? Do you despair about endless polarization and division? If you feel this way, take heart, because there is an important truth missing from this picture. As it turns out, Arizonans are practical, solutions-oriented people who broadly agree on the issues that matter most. This is the case in election years as well as in non-election years.

For example, across the political spectrum, Arizona voters support comprehensive immigration reform. They want stronger water protections, affordable housing solutions, a highly educated population that supports our future, long-term planning for growth, and collaborative, bipartisan leadership. I have the data to prove it. This common ground is something the organization I lead, Center for the Future of Arizona, has documented for years. Yet, it is not always reflected in our elections and policymaking. Why is that?

A major culprit is our current primary system, which often rewards extremism over collaboration. That’s why CFA is endorsing Proposition 140, the Make Elections Fair initiative, which proposes open primaries for all Arizona voters. By reforming the primary system, Prop. 140 will ensure that the voices of the many no longer get overshadowed by the interests of the few.

The 2024 Arizona Voters’ Agenda, developed by CFA, provides a clear picture of what Arizonans expect from their leaders: not endless partisanship but real progress on key issues. Our data show that Arizonans want practical solutions that work for everyone, not just those aligned with one side or the other. And voters recognize that our current setup caters to the most ideologically driven voters, producing candidates who represent extremes rather than the majority.

While Prop. 140 aims to make elections more inclusive, Proposition 133–referred to the ballot by the Arizona Legislature–would prevent open primaries by constitutionally locking in the current partisan primary structure. Prop. 133 stands in direct opposition to what the majority of voters want, which is reform that makes elections more accessible and representative. Voting yes on Prop. 140 and no on Prop. 133 is a powerful step toward an election process that aligns more closely with voter priorities.

The stakes are high, especially for rapidly growing areas like Pinal County, where issues such as education, housing affordability, water management, and infrastructure are top priorities. Communities across this region want leaders who support policies that can keep pace with growth and prepare for a sustainable future. If we’re going to tackle these big questions–questions that directly impact the quality of life, the economy, and the workforce–we need leaders who genuinely reflect the electorate’s shared priorities.

Opening up the primary system is not about silencing partisan voices; it’s about making space for the majority of voters who feel sidelined by a system that fails to reflect their interests. Prop. 140 is a critical step toward creating a healthier political environment, one that prioritizes the needs of all Arizonans over narrow, divisive agendas.

Naturally, there is opposition to Prop. 140, particularly from those who benefit under the current system. But change has always been essential to progress. We didn’t always have primaries, and many groups were once excluded from voting. Reforming our election systems is how we’ve moved toward a more inclusive and fair democracy. The potential benefits of Prop. 140 far outweigh any uncertainties, and this initiative represents a meaningful step toward making our elections work better for everyone.

At CFA, we believe in modernizing our primary system to make it inclusive, responsive, and reflective of the broad interests of Arizona’s voters, including both independents and party-affiliated residents. This is why we are strongly encouraging Arizonans to vote yes on Prop. 140. Arizonans are not hopelessly polarized and divided; we are pragmatic, forward-looking people who want real solutions.

Let’s build the Arizona of tomorrow on what brings us together. Vote yes on Proposition 140 to help shape a brighter, more representative future for all.

Sybil Francis, Ph.D., is chair, president and CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for our state.