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I’m starting a twitter thread to document my experience attempting to register to vote in Arizona because I just have a feeling it’s gonna be a mess and might help us all learn something about the importance of reforming voting processes/rights in the USA.
August 14: 81 days til the election, 52 days til AZ’s registration deadline.
Now that I’ve moved into my “permanent” apartment here, I’m ready to update my voter registration! Fortunately AZ offers online voter registration that promises a “quick and simple process.”
Now that I’ve moved into my “permanent” apartment here, I’m ready to update my voter registration! Fortunately AZ offers online voter registration that promises a “quick and simple process.”
Unfortunately, to use the online registration platform you need an Arizona driver’s license, which I don’t have yet because I just moved here and established my permanent address. Back to square 1!
To get a new driver’s license, I can go to a Motor Vehicles Division office or to an authorized third party. The MVD is only open during my regular work hours (8a-4:30p) so I’d prefer a third party with weekend hours. The MVD website shows one such office in Flagstaff
Unfortunately, that information is out of date. Looks like I’ll have to brave the MVD.
The MVD is only open for people with appointments (I assume because of COVID, but I’m not sure). There is one phone number for the *entire state* (7.3 million people) to make appointments, ask questions, etc.
I called the number during my lunch break today and according to an automated message there were more than 300 people in line ahead of me. I stayed on as long as I could, but eventually I had to hang up and go back to work.
It’s Friday and the MVD phone line closed at 4:30 (30 minutes before I left work), so I’ll have to try to call back earlier on Monday. More updates to come then, I suppose!
No updates on the voter registration or driver’s license today, but I did apply for and get a new library card in less than 20 minutes affirming once again that libraries are the GOAT of all public services
August 18: 77 days til the general election, 48 days til the registration deadline. At 8:01 AM, there are more than 200 people in line ahead of me on the MVD phone line (Remember, the phones open at 8). Bureaucracy is hell!
After an hour on hold and being hung up on twice, sending me to the back of the line both times, I have an appointment at the MVD in 2.5 weeks (the earliest possible open appointment in Flagstaff). Friends, if you need to update your voter registration, start the process *now.*
September 3: 32 days til the registration deadline, 61 days til the general election.
It’s been a minute since I had an update to this thread but today is the DAY, my long-awaited MVD appointment is here, and I’m finally going to get the ID I need to register as an AZ voter
It’s been a minute since I had an update to this thread but today is the DAY, my long-awaited MVD appointment is here, and I’m finally going to get the ID I need to register as an AZ voter
