Citizens Clean Elections Commission Bulletin Volume 5, Quarter 3 August 2008 Message from the Chair August has arrived and that means two things; we are in the dog days of summer and the primary election process has begun. Early voting began on July 31st pushing candidates into high gear to try and gain the needed support to be elected. The candidates are not the only ones that have been working hard over the summer; the Citizens Clean Elections staff has been busy putting together the Primary Candidate Statements Pamphlet. The pamphlet is designed to give you, the voter, a better understanding of the candidates running in your district. Every candidate that is running for the State House of Representatives, State Senate and Corporation Commission was given the opportunity to submit a 200-word statement and photo to be included in the pamphlet. One pamphlet has been mailed to every household in Arizona with at least one registered voter. Close to 1.7 million pamphlets will be mailed for the primary election alone. In addition to the mailing, the pamphlet is also available on the Commission’s website, www.azcleanelections.gov. I urge you to take a look at the pamphlet and learn more about your candidates. The pamphlet is just one way to get acquainted with the candidates. Another is through debates hosted by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission in districts where a competitive race exists and there is at least one participating candidate. Just as the Commission did in 2006, every debate has been taped and is available on our website, www.azcleanelections.gov. I urge you to take a minute or two and watch the debate for your district. It is important that Arizona has an informed electorate and this is an easy way to get the information you need to make the best choice possible. I wish all of the candidates the very best of luck in the upcoming primary election. Should you ever have questions about the Clean Elections system or ideas on how it may be improved, please do not hesitate to contact the Commission. Sincerely, Gary Scaramazzo Chairman Inside the Bulletin News and Notes - 2 Information - 3 Page 2 The Citizens Clean Elections Commission Bulletin August 2008 News and Notes Voting Arizona makes it very easy for registered voters to cast their ballots. Every vote counts. Do not delay. Cast your vote for the people you want to represent you and your interests. July 31, 2008 marked the beginning of early voting for the primary election in Arizona. If you requested an early ballot you should have received it by now. If not, contact your county recorder’s office. To find you where you go to vote or where to drop off your early ballot most county recorders have on their website a link where you simply enter your home address and it will give you your polling location . Call your county recorder’s office for assistance. If you are not sure what legislative district you are in go to http://www.azredistricting.org/ enter your zip code to locate your legislative district. Secretary of State Jan Brewer is currently looking for Arizonans to work at the polls and become paid poll workers. A poll worker is responsible for assisting voters, checking voter identification along with a host of other duties. If interested, contact the Secretary of State’s office at 1-877-The Vote for more details. Primary Candidate Debates Available Online If you missed your district debate or just want to become more informed about the candidates running in you district simply go to www.azcleanelections.gov and click on the link 2008 Primary Election Candidate Debates. There you will be able to view any of the Clean Elections sponsored debates in their entirety. The primary debates will be available until primary election day. General election debates are set to begin September 15, 2008. Check back with the Commission’s website in early September for the dates, times and locations. Citizens Clean Elections Commission Bulletin Volume 5, Quarter 3 August 2008 Thank you for taking the time to read our third quarter Bulletin. The Bulletin is published once a quarter and is intended to be an informational tool used to update parties regarding the Commission’s projects and developments. 2008 Commission Meeting Schedule Citizens Clean Elections Commissioners Upcoming Meetings Gary Scaramazzo, Chairman Royann Parker Jeffrey Fairman Donald Lindholm Lori Daniels August 26 Tuesday, 9:30am Commission meetings are held in the Citizens Clean Elections Commission conference room at 1616 W. Adams in Phoenix. Please contact the Commission or check the Commission’s website www.azcleanelections.gov to confirm meeting dates and times. The Commission meeting minutes and agendas are available free of charge on the Commission’s website. September 18 Thursday, 9:30am October 23 Thursday, 9:30am November 13 Thursday, 9:30am Please refer to the website www.azcleanelections.gov or call the Commission directly for agendas and additional documents. Citizens Clean Elections Commission 1616 W. Adams, Suite 110 Phoenix, AZ Phone: 602-364-3477 Fax: 602-364-3487 Toll Free: 1-877-631-8891 www.azcleanelections.gov ccec@azcleanelections.gov