Legalizing Mariana, Minimum Wage Increase, and other Factors Could Increase Voter Turnout in November.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/09/14/marijuana-minimum-wage-hillary-clinton-arizona/89122482/

Arizona is entering the race as an unheard of battleground state. This state has gone Republican in the all presidential elections since 1952, except for Bill Clinton's 1996 election. This state has historically been a conservative stronghold, but due to the divisiveness of our candidates this year, that may change. Many issues, such as legalizing marijuana and raising the minimum wage has made it possible that AZ will again be captured by a Clinton. According to azcentral, a local affiliate of USA Today, these issues are bringing more young and disenfranchised voters to the polls. These younger voters are often more progressive than their older, more conservative counterparts. With these younger progressives showing up to cast the ballot, that could help the Clinton campaign and seriously undermine Donald Trump.

There has been a high level of media attention in Arizona on two ballot measures, one that would raise minimum wage to $12 dollars and hour and one that would completely legalize marijuana. These issues have sparked enthusiasm and participation from the younger generation of Arizona voters. This has implications not only for the presidential race, but also for the U.S. Senate race between sitting Senator John McCain (R) and challenger Ann Kirkpatrick (D). McCain has not commented on the legalization process, while Kirkpatrick said the issue should be left for the electorate to decide. If either candidate for this race came out in support of marijuana, that could be a major game change in the race.

Even voters who are not proud of their candidates say that they could change their mind on how each candidate stands on minimum wage and legalization. Republicans and conservatives usually are against legalization, but that might change due to the pressure of these elections. This could be an area where the Democrat party, which supports a pathway towards legalization, could pick up enough voters to carry the state, Minimum wage is a thornier issue. While it is technically in the hands of the state, federal laws and restrictions can be passed to raise the absolute minimum. An example of this is that the federal minimum wage is $7.25 while AZ minimum wage is currently $8.05. (Wisconsin's minimum wage is $7.25) Hillary Clinton supports a national raise to 15 dollars an hour, while the Republicans believe it is up to the the states to decide and Donald Trump has been far from clear on the topic.

These issues and more, such as immigration and gun rights will ultimately decide if Arizona stays red or is once again painted blue. This election is historic in that the dislike of the candidates far outweigh the like. This is an election for the lesser evil, and I believe that many Americans will continue to feel conflicted until Election Day.

Joe Engels