Arizona voter registration grows by nearly 27K in less than six weeks

Every political party gains ground; Independents grow fastest

PHOENIX – The state of Arizona added nearly 27,000 additional registered voters between April 19 and June 1, according to new figures released Tuesday by Secretary of State Ken Bennett.

As of June 1, 2010, the state had 3,093,647 active, registered voters. That's 26,890 more registered voters than the state had in April with a report issued just prior to the May 18 Special Election.

“I'm pleased to see our registration numbers begin to climb once more,” Secretary Bennett said. “This trend should continue as voter interest builds in anticipation of the upcoming primary and general elections.”

Each of the state's four recognized political parties – Republican, Democratic, Libertarian and Green – reported a registration gain. The GOP added 7,852 voters in the latest report. As of June 1, the party had 1,116,643 active, registered voters in Arizona . Democratic registration climbed by 3,879 to reach 1,005,665 active, registered voters. The Libertarian Party added 322 additional members – its registration reached 24,328 – and the Green Party grew by 121 members. The Green Party claimed 4,466 active, registered voters in Arizona , as of June 1.

Growing fastest were voters who registered as Independent or unaffiliated with a recognized political party. These voters, lumped together in the “Other” category, numbered 942,545 as of June 1. That's a registration increase of 14,716 voters from the April 19 report.

Voter registration grew in all Arizona counties except Apache and Graham, which each reported a slight decline. Maricopa County gained the most registered voters between April 19 and June 1, adding 17,520 voters to its rolls. Maricopa County had 1,817,176 registered voters in the latest report.

Unregistered individuals who would like to cast a ballot in the Aug. 24 primary election must register by July 26. Visit ServiceArizona.com to register online.

The latest voter registration figures by county, congressional district and legislative district are included with this media release. Copies are available at the Secretary of State's Office on the 7th Floor of the Executive Tower at the State Capitol, by calling 602-542-8683 or 1-877-THE-VOTE (1-877-843-8683), or online at www.azsos.gov.