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EDUCATION ISSUES example, if they chose not to be part of Republican Party, why
vote in the Republican primary?
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 “Independents don’t all think the same,” Bentz said. “Some

– and fewer actually cast ballots. For example, in presidential people gure independents must be moderate or middle-of-
elections the turnout is usually 74 percent to 77 percent, and for the-road. But independents make up a whole wide political
o -year elections when Arizona elects its governor, the turnout spectrum when it comes to beliefs. ey don’t want to be a
ranges from 47 percent to 53 percent, Bentz said. He expects a 51 party.”
percent turnout next year for governor, other state o cials and Bentz noted that in gubernatorial elections, Republican
the 90 legislative seats. voters outperform Democrats, roughly 44 percent to 32 percent,
“Even in 2016, with one of the most famous people running while independents’ turnout is only around 8 percent.
for president, only 74 percent turned out,” he said. “It’s been Looking at the age factor, more than 60 percent of the Arizonan
a bumpy rollercoaster turnout between presidential and voters who cast ballots in a presidential and a gubernatorial
gubernatorial elections.” election are at least 50 years old, Bentz said. Younger people have
For primary elections, the turnout is considerably lower – children and soccer games to attend and o en don’t nd time
around 29 percent in recent years. In 2008, the primary election to vote. For example, in the 40-49 age group, the turnout is 14
turnout was only 23 percent, but it rose sharply to 30 percent in percent in gubernatorial elections; for 30-39, it’s 9 percent, and
2010 and has remained fairly stable since them, Bentz said. for 29 and younger, turnout is only 4.6 percent.
Explaining who so-called “other” voters are, he said they’re Next year, nearly 70 percent of the people who show up to
anyone who is not a registered Republican, Democrat, Libertarian vote will be over the age of 50, Bentz said. “Bear that in mind
or member of the Green Party. Others include independents and when you are going to communicate with voters, who you’re
people who claim other parties or no party. Independents are the going to talk to,” he said.
largest group of voters – Republicans, 34.6 percent; Democrats, He disputed the notion that older people won’t support more
30.1 percent; and independents, 35.2 percent. money for schools. “ at’s just not true,” Bentz said. “ ey can
“Independents don’t participate at the same rate as other be convinced to support education. Talk about things that relate
voters,” Bentz said. “Arizona is a very Republican state when to them – relate education to them and what makes it important
it comes to voter participation. For example, the average to them.”
participation in a presidential election shows Republicans, e good news, he said, is that education will be the top issue
43.5 percent; Democrats, 31.1 percent, and independents, 23.7 in 2018. People are aware of the teacher salary issue and the
percent.” teacher shortage. “ ey want to do something about it,” he said,
Independents are eligible to vote in primaries, but o en do “but they want to make sure that the money makes it into the
not. ey would have to choose a GOP or Democratic ballot. For classroom.”
In talking to Republicans about education, Bentz
recommended focusing on three issues:
Invest in our quality of life. “Quality schools help
protect your property values and reduce crime. Use
crime as an issue. We need to invest in our school
system to protect our quality of life,” he said.
Attract jobs. “Schools play a key part in our ability
to attract jobs and economic opportunities. Businesses
want to locate in communities that have safe and well-
maintained schools, small class sizes and modern
technology,” he said.
Build our future workforce. “We need to support
their e orts to educate a quality, competitive workforce
to support our area’s long-term success,” Bentz said.
“You cannot ignore Republicans,” Bentz
emphasized. “Talk to them. Appeal
to their sensibility. Be transparent
about how schools are spending
their money. Talk with the electorate
you know is going to show up. If you
only talk about one thing, talk about
protecting the quality of life.”

Paul Bentz, Vice President, Research
and Strategy, HighGround Inc., can be
reached at (602) 528-3684.

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