David Tapia, a previously disinterested voter, has been motivated to become more politically aware this year due to Donald Trump’s candidacy. He plans to cast his first vote for Kamala Harris in the upcoming election, as he does not support Trump. Arizona, a key battleground state, is currently being fiercely contested by both parties as they fight for the state’s 11 electoral votes. Latino men are a crucial demographic in this election, with both sides vying for their support.
The issues of abortion and immigration are central to the election in Arizona, with voters deciding on ballot measures related to these issues. Proposals such as Proposition 139, which aims to protect abortion rights in the state constitution, could potentially impact voter turnout and sway the election. Both Harris and Trump are actively campaigning in Arizona, highlighting the high stakes of this election.
Four years ago, Trump lost Arizona by a narrow margin, prompting his supporters to urge others to take advantage of early voting programs. While abortion rights are a key issue in the state, not all Trump supporters are against Proposition 139. There is also another measure, Proposition 314, related to immigration that adds another layer to the debate over border security. Despite the importance of these issues, the focus of the election campaign seems to vary.
With Republicans holding a voter registration advantage in Arizona, the race is expected to be tight. Both parties have heavily invested in advertising in the state, with Democrats outspending Republicans in an effort to secure victory. Latino voters are expected to play a significant role in this election, with a projected turnout similar to 2020 and a notable increase from 2016. To win, Trump must rally his base while reaching out to independent voters who may have not participated in recent elections.
Harris faces a challenging task of winning over independent voters and a slim share of Republicans, particularly among members of the Mormon church in Arizona. With a significant population of Latter-day Saints in the state, Harris is strategically targeting this group. Mesa Mayor John Giles, an LDS member, is leading a group of Arizona Republicans for Harris and emphasizing the importance of voter turnout. As the election approaches, Arizona voters hold a significant role in determining the outcome of the presidential race.
