The 2008 presidential preference election is rapidly approaching us in Arizona on Feb. 5. However, I wonder if the 755,000 voters in the state who are registered as independents or no party designated, realize unless their registration is changed to either the Republican or Democratic Party, they can not and will not have a vote in the Arizona presidential preference election.
Although the holiday season is still upon us and many people will be paying less attention to an election occurring in February, now is the time to check to determine if you are eligible to vote in the presidential preference election.  The voter registration deadline is less than a week after New Year’s Day.
Only two political parties will be participating in Arizona’s presidential preference election, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. The Libertarian Party has opted not to participate in the election and no other political party qualifies in Arizona. In order to participate, you must be registered to vote as a member of either the Republican or Democratic Party. 
When the initiative that created Arizona’s open primary law was drafted — the initiative that the citizens of Arizona approved — it did not include the presidential preference election.
A voter who chooses to register as an independent or no party designated can vote in our state primary election held in September. However, the election that will be held on Feb. 5, is not a “primary” election under Arizona law. It is a “preference” election. A “primary” election is a “winner-take-all” election.
In a preference election, the candidates are vying for delegates to the political party convention. Each presidential candidate receiving a percentage of the votes will win one or more delegates, with the largest share going to the candidate who receives the most votes. 
While these distinctions may seem subtle, this is the requirement in Arizona law that the Recorder’s offices in Arizona are required to apply.
So check your most recent voter registration card.  If it does not say “DEM” or “REP” and you want to vote in the presidential preference election, you need to submit a new registration form and designate the party of the candidate you want to support. 
If you have an Arizona driver’s license or identification card issued by the Motor Vehicle Division after Oct. 1, 1996, you can submit your registration form online at www.servicearizona.com.  If you want to submit a regular voter registration form, you can obtain a form at the Recorder’s Office, at any library, U.S. Post Office, Motor Vehicle Division office, most city and town halls, headquarters for any political party. Contact your local county Recorder’s office for additional information.
After the presidential preference election is over, and it is your desire to go back to independent or no party designated, just complete a new voter registration form and submit it to the Recorder’s office or go online. 
The deadline for registering to vote in the presidential preference election is Jan. 7, 2008. If you want to vote for the candidate of your choice, make certain you qualify and that your voice is heard.
F. Ann Rodríguez is Pima County recorder.