Sanda Clark speaks to voters in Quail Creek. (Photo by Jeanne Buell)
Deb Melton
On Sept. 17 Democrats and some Independents filled a double room at the Kino Center to hear several candidates who are running for election this fall. The enthusiastic crowd was addressed by Adrian Fontes, candidate for Secretary of State; Kristen Engels, candidate for Congress for District 6; Sanda Clark, candidate for Arizona House Legislative District (LD) 19; School Board Candidates Mike Norman and Shel Zatkin; along with others. Candidates talked about why they are running and what they feel are the most important issues facing Arizonans today. They also took questions from the group and mingled with voters informally.
Adrian Fontes spoke passionately about the election this year when he said, “Nearly every election, you will hear some say that this is the most important election of our lives. But I am here today to tell you that this election could be the last free and fair election of our lives!” Voting has never been more important. Democracy is on the ballot.
Election Day is Nov. 8, but that means that that day is your last chance to vote in this election. Early voting starts Oct. 12, and ballots-by-mail will be mailed out on Oct. 12. Please be prepared and return your ballot as soon as possible. To check your voter registration, go to www.recorder.pima.gov/VoterStats/VoterInfo.
In our new LD 19, we have one democrat running, Sanda Clark. She is the only democrat running for Arizona House. Your ballot states that you may vote for two candidates. However, if you don’t want to dilute your vote, please vote only for one, Sanda Clark. There are no democrats running for State Senate, only Republicans. You can leave that one blank.
You should have already received the Arizona 2022 General Election Publicity pamphlet, which is the size of the Quail Creek Source Book and has valuable information on all the judges and propositions. There are 10 Propositions on this year’s ballot—some upholding our rights as citizens and some seeking to curtail them. LD 19 democrats, with the support of Quail Creek Democratic Club, have prepared slate cards listing the democratic candidates and ballot propositions that we endorse. Those cards have been mailed out to assist you in making your decisions. If you have not received one, you will find it on our website www.qcdemocrats.org.
An excellent nonpartisan source for learning about the judges and propositions on this year’s ballot is www.cebv.us/2022-ballot.
This election will determine not only the governor, but also Arizona Secretary of State, Attorney General, congressional seat for District 6, Senate seat, along with state house and senate seat, corporation commission, judges, school board, and the fate of 10 ballot propositions. The leaders we elect and the decisions we make this November will affect our lives and communities now and for future generations. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard.
This is truly an important election. If you have a ballot-by-mail, return it by dropping it off at the post office as soon as you can.