STATEWIDE – As the Primary Election approaches voters with no designated party affiliation continue to outnumber voters in recognized political parties.

Since March 2014, the number of independent voters has risen by 18,201. In comparison the number of registered Democrats and Republicans fell by 16,036 and 7,447; respectively. Meanwhile, the Libertarian and Americans Elect parties grew slightly.

A Facebook page has been set up for independent voters to exchange ideas.

Arizona has four recognized political parties: Republican, Democratic, Libertarian and Americans Elect. Registrants who decline to indicate a party preference or register with parties without recognized status are classified as “Other” by election officials but are widely referred to as “independents.”

Statewide, overall voter registration decreased by 0.15%. This is attributed to the maintenance of the voter rolls by the counties.