Voter Total Climbs

By Tammy Gray-Searles
   Navajo County is following a statewide trend with an increase in registered voters, as well as an increase in Independent or “other” party registrations.
   According to registration numbers through Oct. 1 provided by Secretary of State Ken Bennett’s office, Navajo County voter registrations increased from 58,528 in 2008 to 59,957 in July 2009, and to 60,199 as of the first of October. Statewide, 14,731 new voters registered between July and the start of October. Most of those registrations were in the “other” unrecognized or Independent party category. Along with changes in existing registrations from other parties, the Independent and “other” parties saw the greatest growth, both statewide and within the county.
   Bennett noted, “The voters in that group now total 915,981, an increase of 17,992 since July.”
   Both Democrats and Republicans saw a decline in numbers over the same period. The number of registered Republicans dropped by 2,382 and Democrats by 3,635, according to the Secretary of State’s report. Libertarians and the Green Party saw increases in registrations statewide, with the Libertarians gaining 2,748 and the Green Party a total of eight.
   In Navajo County, all parties saw an increase in registrations, with Independent or those registered as “other” taking the lead in new voter registrations. A total of 200 Independents registered between July and October, bringing the county’s total up to 14,063 from 13,863. Bennett noted that, “Arizonans registered as Independents or as members of unrecognized parties are grouped together in the “Other” category on the voter registration figures."
   Registrations of Democrats increased by 19 voters during the same time period, and Republicans by 20. The Libertarian and Green parties also saw slight increases, with Libertarians gaining three voters and the Green Party, two.
   Since the 2008 General Election, all parties in Navajo County have also increased registrations, with Independents or “other” parties gaining 750 voters over the course of about a year. The Democrats gained 674 during the year for a total of 26,459 and the Republicans, 239 for a total of 19,246. Libertarians gained four registrations for a total of 387 in the county, and the Green Party increased by four for a total of 44.
   The report also notes that Navajo County has a total of 7,777 inactive registered voters. Of the inactive voters, 2,224 are Independent or “other,” 2,609 are Democrats, 2,859 are Republicans, 58 are Libertarian and seven registered with the Green Party.
   Bennett noted that he is glad to see an increase in voter registrations, and pointed out that it marks the sixth consecutive quarterly increase in registrations.
   “To see this consistent, increasing trend in total voter registration is very encouraging. With the 2010 election cycle approaching, it makes me very confident that these numbers will only continue upward,” he remarked.