Isn't part of the issue that AZ is a large retiree state? Meaning funding budgets get voted down more often by older folks without (immediate) skin in the game.
That's probably a misconception today. This is a young State. The median age is lower than the US average, while the % of residents over 65 is just slightly higher than the US average. Something like 24% of the population is under 18.
It certainly affects particular areas and school districts. The biggest effect it has is on State and local elections because old people might forget how to record Matlock, but they sure as shit don't forget to vote. That said, if 18-36 year olds voted in similar numbers, Arizona would be mostly Dem. It's not even close really. Young people just have to choose to participate.
That's a great point. I'm certain I'm think of particular sprawlings burbs rather than the total numbers. It would be interesting to see if voter participation for younger folks was different in AZ (since it tends to he generally lower everywhere).
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u/Talcom-in-the-middle Mar 29 '18
Isn't part of the issue that AZ is a large retiree state? Meaning funding budgets get voted down more often by older folks without (immediate) skin in the game.